Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-06-15
The Object or Spiritual Culture.

The Object or Spiritual Culture.
THERE exists in many minds wrong
theory as to the object of spiritual culture.
1t is thought necessary by many to make
some provision for the life of the soul, but
that ought not to interfere with the inter-
ests of temporal life. 1t is supposed to
be wise economy to make just enough
provision for the future life, either now
or before the great transit, to make it
sure. And there is danger that many
new converts will eventually rest upon
the delusion that religion is a necessary
thing to have against the exigencies of flu
ture life But it is not the object of spir-
itual culture simply to save the soul or TO
to avoid penalty. 1t is the true object of
spiritual culture TO- build up character
along the line of the highest faculties OF
human nature, to build up sainthood.
1t should be the aim of the new convert
placing himself amid the ordinances and
worship of the church. not simply to seek
place of safety and quiet enjoyment, but,
by earnest endeaNor, to build up spiritual
character. The work has just begun.
The simple act of naturalization does not
impart all the knowledge of the collegiate
course. The new convert is disciple in
Chrst's school. There are many doc
trines which ne does not understand, and
many phases of Christian experience to
which he is a stranger, and if he has nc
humility to begin with the alphabet, he
can never attain unto the stature of Christ
There is surprising beauty Of Chris
tian character, of which many professors
of religion know nothing. They know
nothing of that sweetness of disposition
which cam only be attained by long dis
cipline and after many failures. They
know nothing of religion, as Jonathan
Edwards defines it, namely, ca love of
divine things for the beauty and sweet.
ness of their moral excellence" Whocan
portray the graces of sainthood! They
shine in the face of our King, but we see
the beauty afar off. The train of virtues
passes by and we catch the sweet sound of
their going and see a glimpse of the
brightness, but how few of us join their
company. The Apostle Paul, after hav-
ing given the dark catalogue of the works
OF the flesh, says, "but the fruit Of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-sufferng,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance"
That is the object of the Christian race.
Religion dwells mainly with the DISPOSE
tons; it aims to build up beauty and
sweetness" That is life work, and can
not be accomplished by the passivity of
one who simply feels comfortable, and
hopes to escape the fire and gain the re-
ward
The young convert by this lifelong
culture comes into heaven with faculties
suited to that sphere of being. Heaven is
not merely an asylum for beings who have
failed upon the earth; it is the home of
souls brought by training into state of
"beauty and sweetness" In dying We 90
to our own company and to our own place.
-ReU. a. II. HdJl0aoay, IN S. S. Times
THE little loving charities of daily life
preach loudly for Him who went about
doing good Bring Jesus into your home
and your circumstances more than you
have hitherto done. Things do not go on
well in your household, perhaps, nor in
your circumstances either. You wonder
why it is. Wonder not. 1t is because
you bring the Lord so little into them.
How can it be otherwise, with Him so
little acknowledged. How can it be
otherwise when you are not cast upon
Him in all that pertains TO you? Bring
Jesus more into your home, and plans.
and duties, and circumstances. Live not
on as you have done, realizing His pres
ence so little. The name of Jesus is NO
mere fancy. He is reality. He is a
bosom friend, tender physician, LOVING
Father, a gracious Savior, a very present
helper. Oh, MAKE Him so to you
Exchange
n WRITER in the New York Epsnibg
Post, abiding to the want of q morning
prayer for children, match in simplicity
OF thought and language with the well.
known evening prayer beginning - Now
l lay me down to Sleep" suggests the
following " till something better shall be