The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-11-29
THE HEART OF THE SCRIP
TUR Els

oepting the truth OF Christianity. If they
have testified honestly, we cannot reason
ably believe that they were mistaken in
the facts stated-the feeding of the FIVE
thousand, for example,-the calming of
the tempest-the raising of Lazarus-the
resurrection of our Lord-the miracles
performed by Peter and Paul, and the
other apostles.
One of the surest ways to tell mans
sincerity and truthfulness is to look in
his face. A villain may deceive you in
this way but there are some faces Qike
that of DR.. Chalmers, for example) that
are so transparently benignant and free
from guile, that we never doubt them
especially if we have had the opportunity
to connect them with a career of good
ness and gentleness.
1t is thus when we look into the coun-
tenance (if we may so speak of the Scrip
lures that we recognise the soul which
is behind. One cannot read the dis
courses Of our Lord, as recorded in the
evangelists, and believe that they fell
from false lips. They have the balm
and purity of the morning air, and ap-
peal to our better nature as the lungs ap-
propriate and enjoy the breath of spring
If one will open anywhere in one of
Pauls epistles, and read through sin
gle chapter the loving heart cannot but
respond to the spirit of tenderness and
earnestness which course like a stream
through his exhortations and pleadings
with the infant churches. Take the third
chapter of Philippians almost any other
will do as well), and is it possible to read
1T without feeling that it was the out
pouring of a full heart, impelled by
single sentiment of yearning solicitude
and affection for, the little band of faith
full friends whom he was instructing in
the principles of the gospel?
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To
write the same things to you, to me indeed is
not grlevous, but for you 1t is safe. @
2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers,
beware of the concision
8. For we are the circumcision, which wor
ship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Je-
sus, and have no confidence in the flesh
4. Though l might also have confidence in the
flesh If any other man thinketh that he hath
whereof he might trust in the heih [ more
.. Circumcised the eighth day of the stock of
Israel of the tribe of Benjamin Hebrew of
the Hebrews; as touching the law, Pharisee;
8. Concerning zeal, presenting the church
touching the righteousness which is IN the law,
blameless.
7. But what things were gain to me, those 1
counted loss tor Christ.
8. Yea doubtless and I count all things but
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of
Christ Jesus my Lord for whom l have suf-
fered the loss of all things, and do count them
6ut dung that | may win Christ
8. And be found in him, not having mine
own righteousness, which is of the law, but that
which Is through the faith of Christ, the right
eousness which is of God by faith:
TO- That may know him, and the power of
his resurrection, and the fellowship of his SUI
ferngs, being made conformable unto his death
H. If by any means 1 might attain unto the
resurrection of the dead.
IL Not as though 1 had already attained,
either were already perfect; but follow after
If that l may apprehend that for which also
am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Is. Brethren, l count not myself to have ap-
pretended but this one thing do, forgetting
those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before
ID press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus
10 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect,
be thus minded: and if in any thing We be
otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this
unto you.
l6 Nevertheless whereto we have already
attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us
mind the same thing
II. Brethren be followers together of me.
and mark them which walk so as ye have us
for an ensample.
Is. (For many walk, Of whom have told
you often, and now tell you even weeping, that
hey are the enemies Of the cross Of Christ:
10. Whose end Is destruction, whose God is
their belly, and 10loss glory Is in their shame,
who mind earthly things)
70. For our conversation is in heaven from
whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord
JESUS Christ;
81. Who shall change our vile body, that it
may be fashioned like unto his glorious body
socording to the working whereby be is able
even to subdue all things unto himself
CHAPTER ~.
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and
longed for, my JOY and crown, so stand fast in
in the Lord, uy dearly beloved.
q beseech BUodias, and beseech Syntvche.
that they be Of the same mind in the Lord
50 And ! entreat thee also, true yokefellow,
help those women which labor with me in the
go5pel, with Clement also, and NTH other my
fellow laDorers whose names are in the book Of