Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-02-06
When we shall clearly know and under
stand,
think that we will say, God knew the
best
BE OF GOOD COMFORT /!


Let us spead moment thinking
of the last exhortation--Be perfect.
The first thing that strikes us is that
it seems an impossible command to
obey. But you must remember it is
ours to obey, and il we, as a matter
of fact, find it impracticable to full
fill, we may be sure that Christ will
mercifully and justly deal with US.
No man will be required to do what
he cannot do. / shall not stop to
discuss the question of sinless per-
lection. Whatever you may hold In that
matter you would hardly be ready to deny
| that YOU can be improved-that you are
not yet perfect. Then the text comes to
YOU, ssBe perfect" This ought 10 be our
ideal as a church and as individuals. We
must be satisfied with nothing less than
perfection. The pledges us to = consts I
warfare against the evil in our hearts and
lives. Other things being equal, the high
er. your standard, the better your life. You
may never reach your ideal. Indsed, it il
safe to say, that in this world of defects
and limitations you never WILL because
the very effort TO approach il refnes it.
The sculptor may fashion the cold, dull
marble into thing of grace and beauty,
but be his hand ever so exquisite, the I'M
age will not reach the mental conception.
The nearer we approach Christ in mind
and heart and feeling, the more beauty
there is in Him, that we should desire him.
Who has studied his life sympathetically
and earnestly that has not felt that he WAS
studying continuous revelation, proper
toned to his own preparation of heart and
mind aud that preparation secured by
earnest study. You must not be satisfied
as long as there is a fault uncorrected a
sin unehastised or grace undeveloped.
The struggle may be long and you may
sometimes think il hopeless and tedious
but nevertheless you mnst make il Ii YOU
would win the favor Of God
And now ! conclude by calling your at
tention TO the promise of the text, "And
the God of love and peace shall be with
you.o ssThe best of all,v said a dying
saint, sis, God is with u.s." And il is the
best of all. Best in our efforts after holt
ness to have strength as the bank that hon.
ors our checks. With this great difference
from earthly banks. The more bankrupt
we are the more readily he honors our
drafts. 1t were indeed hopeless struggle
il Christ had not said, $50 / am with you
Away" Small comfort in lighting these
battles with temptation il we had not the
Advocate, the Paraclete. TO abide with us
forever and to lead us into all truth. And
if we had not the assurance that the Faith
er's eye is upon the righteous and his ear
is ever open TO their cry.
So, teo, of oneness of mind OF living in
peace. Impossible without Gods help and
presence.
And certainly we cannot be of good com
fort either in our work or life unless we
are assured that the God Of love and peace
is with us.
Finally brethren, farwell. May God
bless you for all your kindness to me and
10 .5f.ln hAx 1t<.asA fol
on you i'm your business, in your religious
! life, and in your church work.
There will be many pleasant memories
connected with my two years stay in your
midst. Many OF your faces will be called
up in after years. In all human probable
| ity / shall never see many Of you again
May God grant that we may meet out on
| the green hills far away, where we shall be
| of one mind, where our dream ofperfection
| shall be realized, and where there shall be
| no troubles to comfort. May we all meet
| there!