The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-08-14

guard against evil VIII it point out |
the pitfalls and snares of sin :? Can it |
so enlighten and strengthen the moral |
nature, that the victory over evil is
made easy I? Yes" is the fervent
answer Of many who have found the
Bible lamp unto their feet, and light
unto their path. Has modern science
anything wiser than Solomon's words,
"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent
thou notp" prov. i, 10Y "Enter not
into the path of the wicked, and go not
in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass
not by it, turn from it, and pass away"
prov. iv, IA, 15) Nothing could be
wiser or more practical. If young peo-
pie would obey this advice, they would
be saved great amount of folly and
shame, and heavy weight of anxiety
would be lifted from their parents
hearts. But all men have sinned.
Many times we have been guilty of sins
of omission or commission. Thus are
we alienated from God, and spiritual
vision is dimmed. God is perfect, we
imperfect. He is holy, we are defiled
with evil. Herequires obedience. We
have broken his commandments. What
can remove this barrier of alienation
What can bring the human heart into
enduring communion with the Heavenly
Father !? What says the Bible RE
pent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is
at hand" Matt. iii, p. eff we con-
TESS our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive US our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness." Il Johni, g.
Millions of souls have needed these
words, and never in vain. BY repent
ance and confession of sin the life of
the spirit has been quickened; new and
brighter faith has dawned and the
soul has been filled with the peace of
God. The converting power of the
Bible is unspent. It is inexhaustible.
In all parts of the earth, in every age,
among widely differing classes and con-
ditions of men, its influence is to refine,
purify, and save the human race.
In the Bible we find an answer to the
deepest questions of the mind. Very
soon man feels there is power above
and beyond himself. Is it a blind
chance, relentless fate, harsh and
cruel tyranny ? Is the universe ruled by
many conflicting gods, Jupiter, Mars,
Neptune, Mercury, and others The
revelation of one eternal, infinite God,
Creator and Father alike, came to hui
mainly like daylight after starless
night. 1t took away mems doubts and
fears, it impaired unfailing faith in the
divine providence. Mans nature is a
mystery. Whence came he? What is
he? Whittier is he destined? The
Bible teaches that man is a complex
being. His body shall return to the
dust, but his undying spirit shall go to
the God who gave it. Evil, too, though
a great mystery, is shown to be evanes-
cent. 1t shall be conquered by Christ.
Where sin hath abounded grace shall
much more abound, and in the grand
consummation, God shall be all in all.
For the inevitable trials of life, the
Scriptures are exceedingly rich in en-
couragements and consultations. Life.
they assure us, is intended for disci-
pline, even more than for enjoyment.
God will never put upon his children a
burden greater than he will enable
them to bear. Clouds and darkness
may be around US, but the Father is
with us in the gloomiest hour. None
can escape discouragements, disap-
pointments and sorrows, but no one
need bear them alone. God is ever near.
BY prayer the needy heart can gain in
finite help. More than moral precepts,
even though they are the best, are
found in the Old and New Testaments,
They tell of One who was "a man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief. -
He was tempted in all points like as
we are, yet without sin. He loved his
enemies, blessed those that cursed him,
and did good to them that despitefully
used him. His personal example is
the browning glory of the Bible. In his
own life he sums up, and confirms the
teachings of the law and the prophets.
The record OF that holy life is ever
fresh and helpful, that perfect charac-
ter is the supreme ideal and inspiration
of humanity. Because the Bible is a
book Of impressive and enduring truth,
it can never be outgrown. Never has
it been more needed than now. 1t has
survived the assaults of its enemies.
and the false interpretations of it's
friends. 1t contains the finest poetry ::
the most impressive history; the sound
est moral precepts; and the deepest
spiritual insight. It's influence is every
year growing wider, and its spiritual
power is being felt more and more.
Is the Bible to you dull and unin-
teresting book? Perhaps you have been
absorbed by lesser things, and neglected
its pages. 1t may be that the pure light
of its teachings has been dimmed by
the gloom of false theology. Per
| chance YOU have read with the avo Of