The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-12-12

TEXT: 1. John, 8: 2. Beloved, now are we the
sons of God"
The great question is, what are we? What
is the result of life's experience upon the
soul? Heat that melts iron hardens clay
Religion touches daily life. One man sees
it as something he can look at describe, walk
round, defend and praise, but there is no
religion that does not throb through human
life. That religion that is left behind at will
is not religion. When you till the farm it is
your religion tilling the farm; when you are
in the store it is your religion doing busi-
ness when you enter society it is your re-
ligion in society. Religion disconnected
with life ceases to be. 1t must be wrought
with character.
1st. The text suggests state of Recollec-
ton, time when the disciple was not, in
the same sense, son of God. All men are
Gods children. but all do not enjoy the
blessings of sonship. This relationship is
the hope of earth. John speaks of former
passage from death unto life. From the sum
lit slopes of Christian life, men see the val
ley from which they came. Christianity
demands a positive change in the life of
man. He looks back on process of change.
Self surrender is the gate of life. John sub
mits himself to the light of God, revealed by
John the Baptist. When Jesus is pointed
out to him heimmediately follows the greater
light.
DR.. Bushnell, in Chicago, was first an
Atheist-the rest of the class were all con-
verted He believed simply that there was
| right, which man ought to follow, and
yielded himself to do the right. Through
| this self-surrender, he claims, the light of
| God came to his soul.
Submission to the truth, as far as seen, is
the first great principle in the life OF John.
Sacrifice was the next great principle that
| entered his life. His writings picture Jesus
| as the Lamb of God, enthroned by sacrifice.
| This principle is central in the Christian
| faith, and the most potent force in the Christ
ian life. The other factor in his changed
life was Spiritual Power. He teaches as no
other, the Spirits influence over human life.
He who yields himself to the truth of God,
and lives like Christ by the law of sacrifice,
will possess this spiritual power. and his life
became force in the Masters kingdom.
End. The text implies a state of assurance.
No doubt of sonship clouds his mind. A
caution is here needed. You cannot press
| all men into the same spiritual mould con-
stitution, bodily ill may dim the vision. The
poet Cowper was Christian, yet for years
enjoyed no Christian light. The pious Pay.
son was often in despair. With this caution
in mind consider the assurance of Sonship.
How shall the God of paternal love be made
real? John felt the touch of Jesus Christ
and saw in Him the Fathers love. By the
incarnation, men feel the divine heart throb
Faithful Bible study, earnest prayer, self
sacrificing service for humanity, make God
real. The evidence of sonship is in fruit.
full life, in the Spirits witness, and in brother
Iy affection. 1--WE know that we have passed
from death unto life, because we love the
brethren"
3rd. The text suggests state of blessing.
A fathers trial and sacrifice for his children
is but faint picture of God. Not life's toll
is crushing to man, but life's wrong. Your
Heavenly Father knows your need. Usethe
means he gives you, and trust your life to
Him. Worry has no place in the Christian
faith. There is a protecting ministry; no il
befalls Gods children that is not necessary
i for their spiritual fru1tfulness. The aim o.
Gods guidance is the usefulness of His chill
dren. This is the blessed state.
4th. The text suggests a state of Anticipa
tion. Back of sonship is the Fathers bound
less love. In sonshlp is unity with divine
nature; it must develop in the likeness O.
God. This state implies expectancy. al
doth not yet appear what we shall be-" Lif
here is fragment only. knowledge is in
complete. character unsatisfactory. Th
pledge of life in sonship must reach beyond
the vale. The crown of our anticipations
oneness with the perfect life. Itwas enougl
for John to say, "We shall be like Him, fo
we shall see Him, as He is" Present dis
cord will pass away. Human selfshness vii
cease Earthly limitations will be no more
for life will be complete in Jesus Christ.