Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-08-06

ready to grant. There is nothing in the
world that will be for his glory and the good
of his people, but he desires to bestow it upon
his people if they will only ask for it in faith.
Should we not all pray that God would in
crease our faith?
CHRISTIANS.
In the classification of the human family,
all those who live in countries in which the
Christian religion predominates, are called
Christians. This classification may do we'll
enough for geographical and political purpo-
ses but it is entirely too vague for the theo'
Logan, and will not satisfy the mind that is
alive to the realities of another world. The
followers of Jesus were at first called disciples.
They were called Christians first at Antioch.
By the name Christians, in its proper sense,
is meant the followers of Jesus Christ. There
is much that is of practical Importance in in.
quiring who are Christians. Evidently, it is
not correct to say that all who are born in
Christian countries are Christians in the sense
that they are followers of Jesus Christ This
would be thrusting title upon many which
they openly despise. Men are not born Chris
tians because they are born in a land in which
the service of God, through Jesus Christ, is
the prevailing religion. Such individuals
enjoy many Of the precious blessings of that
religion; but still be strangers to its eternal
rewards. Neither is an individual a Chris
tian because he is the child Of godly parents.
It is true that the children of godly parents
enjoy many and great blessings that the
children of unbelieving parents do not enjoy.
God makes many precious promises to be-
lieving parents respecting their offspring. In
fact, whenever God makes a covenant with
parents, he includes in the covenant the off,
spring of the parents. The first covenant
that God made with the first man, evidently
included his descendants. The covenant made
with Abraham, included the seed of the pa
triarch, and the New Testament covenant is
in these words: "The promise is unto you and
your children, and as many as the Lord your
God shall call" Notwithstanding all this,
we still say that no one is Christian, in the
Bible sense, because his father or mother, or
both were Christians. Neither does the fact
that an individual has been baptized in the
proper way, and by the proper person, con-
stitute him Christian. Sometimes it is said,
in loose way, when an individual is baptized,
that he was christened. This does not mean,
at least it cannot, according to the Scriptures,
denote that in this way, and at the time of
being baptized, he was made Christian.
Baptism is necessary, but not in order to be
a Christian. An individual may be Chris
tian and still never be baptized in any way,
and an individual may have been regularly
baptized who is still without God.
Neither does public profession Of religion,
and partaking of the Lords supper, consti-
tute one a Christian. Judas was baptized,
we suppose, if any of the apostles were bapti-
zed. He professed Christ and partook of the
eucharist; but the Saviour says, concerning
him, it had been we'll for him had he never
been born. Christianity consists in none of
these things specified. 1t consists in con-
viction of sin, genuine love of Jesus Christ
and sincere desire to serve him. No man
can say that Jesus is the Christ, except he be
born of God. No man but the true Christian
feels that he is sinner. No man loves Jesus
but the Christian. No man desires to serve
Jesus but the Christian. Being baptized,
joining the church, partaking of the eucha-
rist, do not of themselves, make anything
but formal Christian. The true Christian
will perform all these duties and enjoy them
as so many precious privileges, whilst to the
unconverted sinner they will be but so many
idle ceremonies to which, from habit, he has
become accustomed. The man who has been
made new creature in Christ Jesus will, if
the providence of God permit him, do all
these things, and more too, not because the
performance of them makes him Christian,
but because the love of God is shed abroad
in his heart
"FoR CHR1sr's SAKE."-Thus we close our
PRAYERS. Is it a mere form? What does it
signify? We have sinned, and can come to
God through mediator only. In the name
of Jesus we can approach the throne, and in
no other Deists have no access to God. No
prayer avails. which ignores Christ. But His
name gives efficiency to the feeblest petition.
"Whatsoever We ask in my name" is broad
assurance. Would the poor rejoice could
they use a rich mans name at the bank !?
We are more highly favored. call things
are yours" because Christ is your endorser.
Let US use His name with reverence, love,
gratitude and faith. 1t is a great privilege.
It is our guarantee of life, security, peace and
eternal rest. We should pray for abundant
grace and glorious revivals on every hand
"for Christ's sake"
s9" Do thy part with industry, and leave
the event with God. have seen matters fall
out so unexpectedly, that they have taught
me in all affairs neither to despair nor to pre-
sumo; not to despair, for God can help me !;
not to presume, for God can cross me. | will
never despair, because I have a God; [ will
never presume, because I am but man.