Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-11-30

who have not the eye Of faith and the ear Of
faith and the divine revelation respecting things
to come. But II is these very opportunities
that the Lords consecrated ones possess;
blessed your eyes. for they see and your
extent that anyone's eyes see and his ears
hear of the grace of God he has responsibility.
To possess the knowledge of God and to disdain
1t Is 10 receive the grace of God in vain,
whether more or less.-2 Cor, GIL.
Gods poole not only give thanks for the
blessings of the future which they receive by
faith. but additionally they appreciate bless
ings granted to them in advance in the present
life and give thanks for these The first of
these is the knowledge. the appreciation, Of the
goodness of God in granting us a release from
sin and its penalty by faith. that we can
without waiting for actualities9 now rejoice
in the mercy which has justified freely by
divine grace through faith in the blood Of
Christ. The realization of the r.siing away OF
our load of sin, realization of our forgive
ness by the Father. calls for gratitude, for
Thanksgiving. and this continuing. our
thanks continue. We were lifted from the hor-
rible pit and the miry clay of sin and con-
domination and our feet placed upon the
Rock Christ Jesus. 1t was in consequence of
this that a new song was put into our mouth,
even the loving kindness of our God. And this
Is the first cause for thankfulness. All
other blessings rest upon this blessing and all
other thanksgivngs should properly. therefore
include thanks for this blessing
Additionally after being justified we were In
Quoted into still further grace or privilege:
namely. the privilege Of becoming members OF
the body of Christ. members of the mystery"
class. The invitation to this class the apos-
tie expresses thus. 81 beseech Won. brethren.
nv the mercies OF God (your Justification that
We present your bodies living sacrifice,
holy acceptable unto God, which is your rea-
sonable service" from. 121.l Through this
grace or privilege IL accepted. gain the
opportunity OF a change of nature-from human
TO divine. Our human nature Justified.
cleansed made accentnhIe to God rs a sacrifice
through the merit OF Christ II sacrificed by us
faithfully. win he replaced NV spirit natUre
and glory honor. Immortality. Joint heirship.
with nur lord and Head. What rarse We have
in this for thanksgiving! "what shall we
render unto the Lord God for all his bene-
fits toward us? we VIII take the cun OF sal
walton (His cup. the Gun Of self-sacrifieel and
call unon the name ~ the lord flor assistance
to drink Of the Masters cunl. We win nav
our of CONSERVATION unto the Lord-pub-
licly before all his neonle. '-Psa. 11s;12-H.
EVERY JOY he sends me.
Comes 4 sweet and glad surprise"
The very fact that we do not know every
pupils in the school Of Christ. far from be.
ina n cause Of disappointment is source or
pleasure The heart that has come into faith
Union and communion with tile Lord learns some
thing more daily respecting the Heavenly
Fathers love and care, and each fresh item OF
knowledge Is a new well-spring OF pleasure.
lie satifie;n the longing soul" blessed are
they that hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled" Goodness and mercy
follow me all the days Of my life These
called upon by the apostle to give thanks INTO
God I'm every matter and to know that this Is
Gods VIII IN respect 10 all thOSe VINO are hlcu-
hers Of Christ-in Christ Jesus. Psa. 1878;
Matt, $50; Psa.. 1856.
THANKS THROUGH TEARS.
Let us not overlook the fact that our text
indicates that we are to give thanks for our
sorrows, cur trisls cisappointments, as
well as for our Joys and pleasures. for every
thing includes all things. Nor is this the only
ScrL turc to this effect. Hearken TO the apps
ties words which urge the members OF Christ TO
rejoice IN tribulation, not because trioulation
Is jov forever but, as he explains, tri0uia-
ton works out additional patience and patience
Brings additional experience ana large expert
ence brings larger hope, until We are not
ashamed Of our tribUlations, because OF in
creased love of tiod shed abroad In our hearts
thereby 5:3; 1886.
We remember also our Lords words TO the er-
feet that when We suffer persecution and tribu
lhtiOn should rejoice and be exceeding glad
kliowirg that great will be our reward In heaven
knowing that the faithful endurance of suen
tTials and difficulties will fit Us and prepare
us for the higher and nobler state in the mil
lCnnial kingdom, by preparing us the better to
sympaghze with mankind In general, enabling
MS to pour upon them In due time the riches OF
Gods grace and truth.
But the apostle urges, 10 tribulation for the
time seemeth joyous, but rather grievous. Hence
the Lords faithful must sometimes be glad
whilst in tears. Yea, sometimes the very
hest mellowing and sanctifying influences upon
our characters come to I'm connection with
disappointments AMI heartachcs. At such times
the lords people to remember the gracious
promise that all things, under Divine supervi-
sion. shall work together for good to those who
love God than they love houses or lands
or self or any other creature.
The basis of ell these blessings and reJOicings
10th as respects the future and the present OK
periences is faith. First. in the fact that there
Is God. Second, in the fact that he has
noble character. Third, in the fact that His
wisdom justice, love and pcwer arc perfect and
thoroughly oc-ordinated. Fourth, in the fact