The Cairo bulletin., 1907-11-04

ECHOES FROM CAIRO PULPITS (:


this life, DO not reach that eXalte
plane where they are perfect. A
eternal vigilance is the price Of lii
terty" so eternal watchfulness is tn
price OF faithful stewardship. TIL
doctrine of "sinless perfection is III
scriptural St. John says. IF we sa
we have no sin, we deceive ourselves
and the truth is not in u.s. Paul. be
yond doubt regenerated. said, "Fo
| the good that | would | do not, bu
the evil which would not, that
| do Yet we desire to emphasize
this. it is possible for Church-mem
| bers Christians, to become more
nearly "sanctifed"-s apart from
the world for Gods service-eacf
DAY: for the elements of religion II
the individual are capable of cultiva
ton resulting in growth. Being
saved is not something between a
man and his neighbor, but God and
man are involved no mater what my
fellow does or leaves undone. SO far
as my personal salvation goes; it is
what / do: my faith and works You
ard should not hold back because
OF the unworthiness or inconsistencies
lof others. and above all means do
lot feel that, because one Identifies
himself with d church he is to be
theneeforth imprtgnable to tempta-
tionl But to these "hypocrites" one
more It would be wisdom for us to
investigate the meaning of the term,
seeing Whether or not we use it cor
reetly.
A Hypocrite Defined.
Webster, good authority, defines it
in this connection thus "a false pre-
tender to virtue or piety;" one who
stimulates virtue or piety" Pretends
this is the burden of the meaning.
Now. objector, by what means do YOU
undertake to determine as to the pre-
tended piety or virtue of the Church
member who sins, makes mistakes.
Yields to temptation? Moses. Abra-
ham, David, Solomon, Peter. Paul and
many other Biblical characters We're
guilty of wrong-doing, yet would you
call them 'hypocrites ~ Without an
extensive argument. we unhesitating
ly affirm that many good men and
women commit sins; they walk for
hidden paths: they fall on life's jour
ney: yet il will not do any to say that
they are not striving to lead a Chris
tian life, and that they are only pre-
tenders, masqueraders in the Church.
Paul once said something about lay
ing aside every weight and the sin
which doth SO easily beset' and run
ming with patience the race"-the
race. Your "besetting sin
is not mine and vice versa. but We
Must all watch" lest we fall when
come certain temptations. Men and
women should have charity for each
pther. writing each others faults in
Tic sand that by and by the gentle
tide OF love may efface all signs OF
hem.
Final Answer to Objections.
We will admit that there are folk
n the church who are not what they
should be This is no reason. how
-ver. that YOU and I should refuse to
lccept the grace of God, through |
Tesus Christ. and identify ourselves |
With the Church. Remember, IF we
cnfess our sins. be is faithful and |
ust TO forgive us our sins and to
leanse us from all unrighteousness."
Daily your PRAYER and mine should |
%. Forgive ms our trespasses as
We forgive those who trespass against |
-" Non Chureh.member. you can
Idduce no valid reason why you are |
'ut Of the Church: too all of yorr
affections comes the calm reply of /
he master. What is that TO thee?
oliow thou me-" DO not misunder-
tand us: we are not apologizing for
in nor condoning H. neither are We
to establish a belief that
We must sin-as followers of Christ
The Church-member. supposedly a
-hristian. ought to keep himself un-
potte,l from the world" Let him
emember If he does commit wrongs,
hat he has an advocate with Christ
Iesus. let him pray. in faith for par
lon. The non Christian sins and asks
lc pardon: the true Churcb-member
sins-and grieyously-and
.sks forgiveness. and receives IL: this
S the difference between the two
Many lives. seemingly, have been
ailures as the world Judges: they
eft no estate. no moufners. no
prominent acquaintance friends
3 not the word to use As God saw
hem. they were not failures" but
ictors. Public opinion-at best-is
.ffen a false thermometer 50 far as
Is registry Of morsl-spiritual worth:
be worlds enoomiums are as sound
rs brass No matter as 20 the posi-
ion Others may take OF their prac-
ices in regard to the Church aud
mr. duty towards it. personally each
ne should see that he is firmly
rchored to the eternal Rock Of II