The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-12


sin light matter.
The Bible idea OF sin is Just and true.
We may appeal to the facts that come
within the sphere OF our observation and
corroborate the words OF Scripture. Sin is
now and always has been Just what God
says it is. 1t is history, dark and dread
full. And II does not require searching
10 find out its true character. Look
where you will and you must see II. The
trail OF the serpent is over ALL There Is no
spot that il does not defile, no individual
that II has not corrupted. This vile weed
has driven its roots 80 deep that no mortal
hand can pluck il up. We are amazed at
its aggressiveness and power. Every
branch of human life has been invaded by
it Ii has overrun every valley and has
intrcnched itself on every hight, Most OF
the earth Is under its absolute rule. When
we undertake TO drive ii out, we meet
with crafty, stubborn, relentless opposi.
ton. No stronghold OF sin has ever been
captured and held. Every spot on earth
is today defiled by the footprints OF the
devil Where he does not 20 openly ho
goes by stealth. Even whore ho il not
suspected there is the hiding OF his
power. Moral evil is a dark, gigantic,
colossal power. II is everywhere. 1t is
organized. 1t is strong, almost invincible.
Look at the ruin it has wrought. Why
does il exist? II should not be here
Who will destroy II, or even check its
work OF destruction? When we face this
problem, the sin OF the world, we are be-
wildered, appalled,, overwhelmed
We know, too that the sinner is in a
bad way. Good sense iorbids that we
should make light Of his condition. All
that God says OF him is true. lie is indeed
lost, defiled, led captive, condemned, hos
tile toward God, and dead in sin. Let
him try 20 return 10 God. Let him turn
away from sin. Let him break of tho
chains. Let him burst open bis prison
doors. Let him arise from the dead and
lead holy life. There is no strength in
him. | am tired OF hearing the sinners
future state discussed. Those who Won
der whether lac will 10 TO hell or not over.
look the facts. lilo is already lost, and
not going 10 bel lie is not
fit for Heaven and no knows
only does not love God, but IL also incapa.
bic of loving Him. Human dccency is
not spiritual life. One sin unpurgcd is
enough 20 damn soul A garment that
II dciiled with one spot Ii not clean, and
y
washed out Christ shocked His hearers
when lie depicted the rich man In hell.
But where else could he GOT Was he III
for heaven because he wore purple and
fine linen. and Jared snmptn0usly every
dny2 You can't convince these Wofldlings
that they arc lost. They persist in think.
ing that God cares as little for sin rs they
do. Even when they acknowledge their
sins, they do not turn away from them.
And many that desire 10 be saved die In
their sins. The Ethiopian cannot change
his skin. nor the leopard his spots some
people seem 10 think there Is chance
for the sinner 10 DO lost. lie u lost
There n chance Tor him to be
saved. Look around YOU at the dead
souls. Many Of all ayes and classes are
passing along the broad way. When YOU
try 10 turn ono sinner from the error OF
his way, you will see how helpless you
are, and how necessary h the divine, al.
mighty Savior. II | did not believe IN
Chrisrs power to save | should sink into
despair.
What Is salvation2 Il Is not a superficial
comfortable view OF sin. The heart and
life must be changed. lie must have
new heart Chnst takes away the old
heart OF sin and gives him heart OF right.
cousncss. Joining the church n not saliva.
ton. Neither A. reformation salvation.
There must be new crcationl The hog
that is washed will plunge again into the
miro. God changes the unclcan animal
into a sheep. Old things pass away aud
all things become new. one can hardly
believe that such things could be wrought
Mono but a divine power could do II.
God gives nsw mind and n now love
and new tastes Think how hard
Il IL for one 10 adopt n new way Of living
A man that has lived many years In the
country cannot content himself In town.
We yet used to certain kinds Of food, aud
We should soon tire OF the best French
cooking. II IL hard 20 teach an old horse
new tricks But Christ can make n
completely new man Of the sinner. lie
not only learns TO love spiritual things,
hut also has an uncouqucrablc disgust ior
sinful things. lie has sled and seen
that the iord IL good, and is a new man
fJrcyofmoWl
We have a great Savior. wonder a,
His ability. | wonder that lie had the
courage 10 undertake the salvation Of
dinners wonder nj Ills unsclh-hntsL
wonder nj His tenderness and patience.
wonder nj Ills strength. ] wonder at
Ills works, the actual, visible results Of
Ills saving power. The crucihcd Christ
" indeed tho Savior II ain.
neul : lie has saved uA lie Is
saving men all around n every day. lot
men make spon OF sin aud salvation, u
thcy will. We believe In Christ, aud
unto ne lie IL the power oi God. We
know, too, that the whole world lies Ia
the wicked one, aud that Christ IL the
only hope OF salvation. 81 am not ashamed
OF the gospel; for IL is the power OF God
unto salvation 10 every one that belicy.
eth" Every renewed soul has a sweet
experience OF bis saving power.
?. Christ Is the power OF God unto ser.
vice.
Those that have experienced the saving
power ui Christ arc commissioned 10 tell
tho story 90 othcn. We caunot save men.
but We eau tell them that Jesus saves. Ii
b. the purpose OF Christ 10 cyangrlIke the
whole creation. II II indeed "a dafins
program Tie conception Il the irnn OF
divine merry and wisdom. II noyul
would have entered into the heart OF sin.
iul, selfish man TO undertake such q work.
and none but renewed soul has the 10.
are and courage 90 engage IN Il.
Jun your iaco toward the work the
Master has given you 30 do. Look on IA,
widc-sprcading Geld. lie has given YOU "a
reap. The Prospect Is bcwildcnng. Angel.
might possibly do this work, but arr ",
Ahlel let as not underestimate our Zoo
We do not contend against flesh and blood
but against the punCipaliiicf, against CIV,
powera, against the w0fld.rucr OF thi.
darkness, against thu spiritual hosts o
NIfkpluoHH ia tho IYaVrflly t.f.nga g,..l