The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1915-04-01

began with a dis
cussion of the Lenten season. AL
though not of Divine command, the
custom appeals to many. Like every
good thing. 1t is misunderstood and
perverted by the majority, because not
spiritually minded. To many of these
It is command, the neglect of which
would bring upon them the disappro-
baton Of friends. and the observance
of which would bring them some d.
vine favor or some relaxation from
proper punishment for their sins-they
know not what or such perfunctory
fasting. displeasing to God and value
less 70 the acknowledgements
fasting-the speaker gave an illustra-
ton. An acquaintance who professed
to observe Lent, was instructed to
drink but one cup Of coffee daily dur
ing the fast, and compromised with
his conscience by drinking his usual
amount Of coffee from a bowl!
Nothing Is more contemplate in
Gods sight than hypocrite. the Pas
tor declared. Honesty is the one quail
fly which all pleasing to God must
possess, no matter how weak and
fallen by heredity. Jesus condemned
hypocrisy more than any other sin.
Although nothing in the Bible sug-
gests a Lenten season, the Apostles
commend fasting. st. Paul wrote, zap
proving ourselves in fastings." and sin
HASTINGS often" Evidently fasting is
in the nature of lf-sacriice-not
thing commanded. but a voluntary Of
fering of the soul TO God. with view to
greater efficiency in Gods service or to
greater control over our bodies in the
interests of our spiritual New Nature.
Appropriate Lenten Thoughts.
The Pastor then pointed out the
practical value of fasting during Lent
On hygienic grounds alone it Is of
great advantage. particularly to the
well fed. TO refrain from eating as lib
orally Of meats. sweets. pastry, etc.
as they were inclined to eat during the
colder weather. Boils. pimples, liver
arrangements. fevers and doctor bills
would be greatly lessened as a result.
Next the speaker discussed the spirit
ual side of the question. He showed
that the Christian may advantageous
iy take a much deeper spiritual mean
ing out of Lent. He may recall the
Savior's experiences during the forty
days preceding His crucifixion. He
may remember that just before His
crucifxion Jesus instituted the Lords
Supper and indicated that date as the
proper one for its annual commemora-
a. fAI1A x1r0S
the custom in the early Church. He
may remember sympathetically the
Redeemer's trials at this season. and
reflect that all Jesus followers cove
nant to share His Cup Of suffering. ig-
nominy. misunderstanding. misrepre-
sentation. SANDER. abuse and death;
and that from the very first this season
seems to have been "A time of special
trial amongst Jesus followers.
These considerations might well
move Gods people to the observance
of fast during the period preceding
the anniversary of their Redeemer's
death. In SO doing. from desire to
draw near to God they would certain
ly contribute share toward that end
A study of the Prophet Daniels fast
gives valuable hints as to proper fast
ing. He confined himself strictly to
the things which his system absolute I
ly needed for the maintenance of men,
tai and physical strength. ate nothing
superb bundantly and avoided dainties
Tho Christians Perpetual Fast.
Fasting applies not only to food. but
to everything; 1t signifies self-denial Of
the desires Of the flesh. to the intent
that the spiritual nature may be
strengthened. The true Christian lives
life of daily self-denial Such morti-
fication Of the flesh. self-denials of the
various inclinations of the flesh In the
interests of the New Creature. are all
HASTINGS The whole tenor of the Scrip
lures Is to the effect that Christians
are spiritually advantaged by allow
ing the Holy Spirit TO rule in their
mortal bodies-to the restraining of
their natural inclinations, tastes pref
erences. appetites. which the Scrip
lures declare are all vitiated more or
less by heredity.
Thus, as the Bible tells US. the Chris
tan IS constantly at warfare with
himself-his new nature warning a
good warfare against his old nature.
In this conflict he is to come of an
overcomer; and his victory will not be
complete until he is actually dead ac-
cording to the flesh and until. as New
Creature. he shall have experienced
the blessings of the Resurrection Of
the spiritual nature.