Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1886-09-25

~ Aoet W, - ASOih ~ ~ OOhh ~
$40. The question of veracity be-
tween God and the creature is quick
ly settled, and to make Him "a liar"
is business as solemn as death, and
man calling in question His truthful
ness, is placing him beyond the posi-
bility of escape from wrath eternal.
How to deal with backsliders re-
ceives due attention: Jer 2, 5-13-19;
Jer 8, 1922; ETC., were submitted as
appropriate.
A can't-give-up class was one of
which every community enjoyed a
full complement, usually composed
of individuals not sufficiently sup
piled with brains to appreciate an ar
gument even if that procedure were
scriptural, end since they could not
be approached intellectually, the
heart was about the only vulnerable
point and Matt Is, 24-27; Heb IL,
24-27; Luke IS; 29-3O; etc., might
penetrate that organ, indeed would,
if accompanied by the Spirit.
Unbelievers, as class, would have
to make deliberate choice, and reap
due reward if to their consciences,
touched by the loving, wooing, con-
vincing Spirit Of God:was applied, the
words of the Lord Jesus Himself re-
corded in Mark Is, 1915 and John s,
"a. Their fate, as recorded by the
Holy Ghost in Rev 81, s, should de-
serve their attention, and if the Di-
vine testimony thus furnished fails
of effect, Gods efforts are exhausted,
for in no case are men forced into
heaven against their aOiN. Their own
choice seals their doom.
At the Tuesday night gospel meet
ing Regeneration was discussed; and
that very difficult question handled
in such way as to be understood by
those possessing the least degree OF
intelligence, at least, those phazes OF
the subject essential to salvation, viz:
What is it? Why is it necessary?
How is it?
Before entering upon the discus.
sion of these points named, the state
ment was emphasized, that a man
may be baptized by any Or all the
methods; belong to any or all the
churches; enjoy the merited respect
and esteem of his fellowmen as pos
sessing an unblemished character, his
social relations and associations man
ifesting a degree of excellence unsur
passed F; might even stand in the
sacred desk and proclaim the gospel
but if not born again, his destiny wa
sealed and heavens gates barred by
the hand of the Omnipotent ON
against his entrance, or even a vision
Of its glory. The topic was one upol
which was hinged the pivot that sep
arated heaven and hell!
The questionstO Unanswered there
fore are of vital importance, and a
vast and solemn as eternity. Sucl
being the case, Gods definitions ar
most reliable, and human reason ant
speculations must stand aside. In
Cor 5, II; the Divine Author fur
nishes reply to what is it? No
therefore something remolded O
patched up, but new creature. Henc
Gods work, since the creation of a.
object necessitated the bringing int
: existence of something which did nc
, previously exist which only God ca,
accomplish. Not the work therefor
Of the church, nor ecclesiastical cere
monies, nor of ordinances. Physics
birth furnishes an illustration. /
babe is not an old man made ovel
t but new thing in existence. Equa
2 ly true of spiritual birth, and in bot
l cases partakers of parents nature
hence the statement of the Hol
f.; Ghost in 2 Pet 1, 4; "partakers of tn
divine nature" Since this is po
: sessed by every individual, "bor
$ again." (born from above), and God
e divine nature holy, there isantipath
4 to unholy things as evidenced
e Pauls experience, who, when regel
S Grated, "hated the things he onC
C loved, ond loved the things he ont
! hated" The experience of every r
! generated soul therefore was one
If conflict since the old nature, or tn;
+; which is "born of the flesh" is n,
e eradicated at the birth but recognize
l. as constantly present and meritir
e the closest scrutiny and to be uncea
r, ingly watched that its supremaC
1t over the new, divinely implante
6 may at all times be avoided. See G
le 5, II; (R.V.)
g.