The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1909-08-07

II greeting, we pass MN with avery
ID looks, or stony stare of indif. 4
erence, little rocking what befalls
lin. az. "Be long suffering toward II
ALL" If we would only accord to H
others, both saint and sinner, that II
we are prone to claim Il
as our right, how much strife and II
confusion and heart-ache would be
averted. And then they were to per-
NIT no spirit of retaliation to manifest
itself in the church; but in obedience
to Christ, they were to render posi-
tive good for positive evil.
These duties all refer to others.
Some of a more personal nature are
next presented: %. Rejoice al
ways" 1t is the privilege, even the
duty, of every child of God to live in
an atmosphere of joy. How can he
help it if he believes that "all things
work together for good" to those who
are in Christ Jesus. p. Pray with
out ceasing." Not down on your knees |
day and night, but feeling always
that God is near, that his ears are
open, and that your unspoken desires
are known to and needed by him.
90. "In everything give thanks" II
we could always remember how great
ly our blessings exceed our misfor-
tunes, we would naturally cultivate a
thankful spirit. But even, if like Job,
all our blessings should be swept away,
still, to the Christian, and to such only
was Paul writing, the very fact that
he exists, and is assured of a home
in the heavenly mansions, is cause
for perpetual thanksgiving in Anne
and eternity and again, 1t is Gods will
that all these graces should abound
within us. ca. "Quench not the
Spirit" This was not addressed to
the unsaved man or woman. 1t is
spoken to Christians who frequently
neglect or refuse to obey the prompt
ings of the spirit in the performance
of duty, and thereby suffer incalcula-
bic loss. 90. "Dispise not prophe-
syings." By which We understand that
the message of even the unlearned is
entitled to respectful consideration.
Some hold that prophesying is differ
ent from preaching, in that it is the
result of direct inspiration. co..
prove all things; hold fast that which
is good" Not that you should accept
riment with every new religion. 1t
means that you should investigate it's
claims with an open Bible in your
hand and whatsoever is not written
therein, reject. CD. abstain from
every form of evil" Or as the Com
mon Version implies, from things that
simply appear evil, even in the sight
of others. 1t means that the child Of
God must walk circumspectly before
men, as we'll as before God
Then comes that wonderful prayer
that the Thessalonian Christians NAV
be sanctified wholly, and that their
spirits, souls and bodies may be "pre
served entire, without blame, at the
coming of the Lord Jesus Christ" In
recent years we have heard much
about sanctification. A great many
unwise and foolish things have been
said and written by those who teach
that sinless perfection is an instan-
taneous work, and is attainable even
have those who oppose that teach
ing been one whit saner in their OPP
position. Positive harm has resulted
from unwise teaching on both sides. |
Like salvation itself, sanctification
has a human and divine side. AS
viewed from the divine side, inasmuch |
But so far as the human side is con-
cerned, the Scriptures teach that it |
is the spiritual growth of life time
of service, and that in its most com
plete development, it is subject to
human limitations. Paul does not pray
for their being without sin, but tn Il
they might be without blame. The
difference is very apparent.
And then comes that sweet assur
ance, that is so helpful to every puff
feted soul, that he who has begun rhe
work of our sanctification, is faithful
and is pledged to its completion.