The Washington herald., 1915-03-15
roasting While Fasting.

The unrcGenerate might not uHrcasOH-
ably gain the impression that il this
presentation Is true. Christians life
would be very unhappy-continually bat
Ting with himself. continually watch
ing. practicinS seif-denial. and striving
against the natural tendencies Of sin
But such a conclusion would be Very
erroneous; for the Christian alone has
the true secret of n happy life.
Even the worldly recognize the fact
that whatsoever lives after the desires
Of his fallen nature will surely end his
career iSnObly. Hence We find nobia
men and women amongst the uurcGcu-
crate. those not beEotten of the Holy
Spirit. but nevertheless maRtfestir;
restraint. not toward God, but for self
interest, learning by experience and 10y
observation the necessity for this if life
would be made 4 blessing TO themselves
or to others. Such strong characters arc
highly respected. esteemed. honorable.
Although Christians OF the true type
also perceive the present ADVANTAGES
preCiate still more the life everlasting
beyond and the Divine favor leading
thereto. This Message. coming TO all
Bible. assures them of Divine merCE
and interest IN their wclfarc-that Gods
love has provided satisfaction for His
Justice on behalf of all. so that the
merit of Christ. imputed to each ac-
COrdinS to his need. makes it possible
for all to respond to the Gospel CAL
onward and upward as New Creatures
SO great is the JOY which comes with
the realization OF acceptance into God
family as joint heirs with His Son. our
Lord Jesus Christ that nothing else can
says Inat to such "old things have pass
ed away. and all things have become
new g Corinthians 5:l7l Instead Of
earthly hopes for earthly wealth. mama
and fame. they have Heavenly hopes for
Heavenly riches. glory and honor. In
stead of aspirations for political prefer
ment and honor OF men these have be-
fore th"i- minds Gods prOmises-exCeed-
ing great and precious These assure
them that their faithfulness in present
trials and difficulties: and the proving
ciples of His righteousness. will through
Christ bring them eventually to partiCi-
patton with their Redeemer in His Slori-
GUS Slillennial Kingdom.
With such prospects life ia worth liv-
ing. Those attaining this vantage
ground can. with the Apostle. count all
earthly things comparatively valueless.
To these, HASTINGS. self-deniIls, self-re-
straints. even privations and persecu-
lions. have no terror They rejoice in
these. assured by the Bible that they
are signs that God Is dealing with them
as with sons. whom He IS educating.
tory to receiving them to the Heavenly
glory.
This class have the peace Of God
which Passeth al understanding: for
since they have come into Gods family
through tho appointed Doorway. tho
Lord Jesus Christ ".AIl things shall work
together for good 20 them"-tO all that
love God, who are the called according
TO Ills purpose" These realize that God.
having begun good work in them. is
both able and willing to perfect IL until
tho Dav Of Christ. philippians 1:Sb
These are seeking to make their calling
and their election sure. and so great Is
their appreciation that the trials and
difficulties by the way-the HASTINGS self
sary-are bat light Affections. not worthy
to be compared with the glory that shall
b., revealed In them.
Even the prayers of this class grad
iuaIlv change. No longer do they ask
for food. rament and earthly things.
Rather thcv accept whatever may hs
Gods providence for them with thanks
giving Their prayers are mostly offer
inEs Of praise mentions of Divine mer-
confidence in God. and requests for more
of His Spirit whatever this may mean
in the way OF greater trials. difficulties
or prosecutions: for they desire that tho
will of God may be completed in them
and the character-likeness Of Christ be
attained.
In conclusion. We recommend true
fasting, true disciplining. true coercion
O, the will OF the flesh. on the part of
all as necessary for their mental moral
and intellectual development And espe-
cially do We commend ahstinences. self
denials, restraints. to those who have
consecrated their lives to God. to walk
in the footsteps OF Jesus. But We rep
rehcnd all hypocrisy and sham. whether
associated with Lent fasting or any
other matter. as being an abomination
in the sight OF God.