The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1892-09-23
PRAYER MEETING TOPIC FOR WEEK
BEGINNING SEPT. rs,
Wor; Inv Confession,

Cor. IL 1928; Col. l 9-14.
Belief and confession are both
necessary to salvation. The heart
may believe, but the mouth must
confess as well. Confession Is not
only necessary, but the necessity is
natural one. In other matters
lie seeks expression. The plant
pushes forth its STEM, the bud
must unfold into the flower; severe
pain wings from one cry Of all
guish. the song OF JOY that dwells
in the breast springs to the lips.
If the true life has found place in
human soul, it cannot remain
hidden; il the Holy Split dwells
in heart, the truth must become
known. So when Christ demands
from his followers confession of
him. he simply demands that they
do what is a perfectly natural thing
Tor those who love him. The con-
clusion 'ollows that one who is
not disposed TO confess the Saviour
has not been saved.
Who may partake OF the Lords
Supper worthlly? Ifby "worthily''
We mean personal worth, then no
one can come "worthily." Some
people seem to think that they
must ''get themselves ready" be.
fore they can cone to the table of
the Lord. We know of but one
condition that must be lived up to
before the believer can come TO the
table of the Lord. He who in
sincerity takes Christ for his Lord,
and tries to follow him, may come
to the Lords table. If, then,
you feel unworthy, but trust in the
merit aud worth of Jesus, you are
in the right mind, and need not
prepare by long series or attend
ance at meetings, or by ANYTHING
that is external. He who can truly
sing,
I'm only sinner, just nothing at all,
But Jesus Christ is my all in ALL"
may safely come to the table of him
of whom he sings.
In the wonderful old Church OF
ST. Mark s, at Venice, is placed an
alabaster pillar said to have been
saved from the ruins OF Solomon's
temple, and now used as part O.
the support of the high altar. 1t
is cut in beautiful spiral shaft of
graceful proportions, and blossoms
out at the top into an exquisitely
carved capital. 1t stands bravely
IN its place, and bears its share of
the weight. But your first thought
is"How beautiful p Does not Je-
sus mean that we shall be beautiful
as well as strong in his service?
And do we take enough pains 10
meke goodness attractive, and so
adorn his doctrine "in all things?"
Christ says, "And |, if / be lifted
up will draw all men unto. me-"
Ought not we Christians to have
more Of this d.awing power, not
that we may draw others to our
selves personally. but through us to
bin whose image we daily pray 10
peai?
JESUS H0NoES THAT CONFESSION.
Which makes little of self, but
much of him;
Which shows timldity when look
ms within, but boldness when
standing before the cross;
Which wells its face in modesty
rather flaunts its inten ions befo,
Christendom;
Which is secured by bear
ing and close following in his own
footsteps.
Lord be ii mine TO speak Thy name SO wen,
Into the cas- of men. that they shall waii,
With perfect confidence. the opening gaze
OF my out going life, aud feel the spell
Ofrealized con fession, and discern
Sometrace ofthee TO make their own heal
burn.
There are two ,hlngs we should
be aware of,-that we never be
ashamed of the gospel, and that we
never be a shame to it.
His strength in weakness he displays
From youthful lips he perfccts praise;
Ana we, his faithful soldiers stand
Strong in the might of his right hand.
FOR ANSWER IN THE MEETING.
Why is it that a worthy confess
sion need not be eloquent or i'm
pressive?
Who are some Bible characters
that made worthy confessions:
What Is to be Confessed" in a
public "confession?"
What other elements than confes-
sion may well be in a public testi-
mony?
How may we make our confes-
sions such that they will prompt
other confessions?
How may our lives help or hinder
our testimony?