Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-01-06
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
Topic For the Week BegianisG Jan
1n--Cnn ment hN Rev. s. II. nnyIe.

Topic For the week Begianirs Jan,
1O--Comment by Rev. $. II. Doyie.
Topic.-what are some tests of repent
knce?-I4uke liz, S-14 Ps. Ii. LII.
John the Baptist was the forerunner
of Christ He came to prepare the
way of the Lord. and he did it by
preaching the doctrine of repentance
from sin. But true repentance not only
includes sorrow for sin. but the giving
up of sin. In repentance a sinner, 'out
of a true sense of his sin and full APP
probation of the mercy of God in
Christ. doth with grief and hatred for
his sin turn from it unto God, with a
fun purpose of and endeavor after a
new obedience" The Jews in Johns
day claimed that they had sought shell
ter from the wrath of God, and John
called upon them to prove it by bring
ing forth works worthy of repent
ance." Repentance means not only a
changed inward life, but also a chang
ed outward life. We prove our repent
ance of sin by giving up sin. THE
wicked forsakes his way and the I'M
righteous man his thoughts" when
they repent and turn from sin unto
God.
Under the preaching of John many
were convicted of sin and cried out
unto him, What shall we do?" 'The
people asked him. saying, What shall
we do, them" He told them to be I'M
selfish. HE that hath two coats. let
him impart to him that hath none,
and he that hath meat. let him do the
same" John prescribes no senseless
penance, but the kindly exercise of I'M
selfish service toward others in life
The publicans said what shall we
do?" and John replied, Exact no more
than that which is appointed you"
The publicans were the tax collectors
under the Roman government. Their
besetting sin was theft. John calls
upon them TO give up stealing and to
be honest. Then came the soldiers.
saying, what shall we doT and John
replied, do violence to no man. nei-
Their accuse any falsely, and be content
with your wages" In the discharge
of their duties they exercised undue
brutality, frequently made false aceu-
Stations against men and caused trou-
BILE concerning their wages. Hence
John calls upon them to give up their
besetting sins. And these illustrations
answer the inquiry of the topic. The
test of a mans repentance is his will
ingness to give up 'the sin that so
easily besets him" The people. the
publicans, the soldiers, were not guilty
Of the same offenses- Their sins diff
fered according to their temperaments
and professions But each was called
upon to give up the sin that was pecul-
far to him. This is the only test of re-
pentance. by their fruits We shall
know them"
But In the experience of David it is
also suggested that service in the in
terest of others is "a work worthy of
repentance" Restore unto me-" says
the psalmist, "the joy of Thy salvation
and uphold me with Thy free spirit.
Then will l teach transgressors Thy
ways, and sinners shall be converted
unto Thee" If truly repentant we be-
come interested in the repentance of
others. The saved man wants to help
save some one else. This is Gods plan.
He saves us that we may help save
others. If repentant let US prove it by
our personal abandonment of sin and
interest in the spiritual welfare of
others.
BIBLE READINGS.
lisa. /, 1918; ", 6, Z; Matt. vii, 1920:
Luke xix. 1-10; John i. 1912; XIV, is;
Acts Ii, $40; iii, 1921; XVI, 10, 20;
Rom. Ii, Ill; ii Cor. vii, S-11.