The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1922-05-11

EyS.A 49, this old enemy of
fau and OF Christ? Yea, verify,
quite possible, although we may not
affirm 1t, for many of Chrlst's best
servants have been at one time His
most bitter foes. Paul himself is an
example, as well as Augustine and a
multitude besides.
To begin with, John tells us the
bearer OF his letter had good report,
or the witness Or. W of all men.
Some Christians are careless of the
opinion of the ungodly, but this is not
an attitude encouraged by the Bible.
a great preacher gave the rule. do
what irreligious men expect you to
do" and remarked, "The worst man
knows more than the best man prac-
tees, and his conscience is quick to
decide the course for other people"
1t will not do to assume an injured
expression when we are justly criti-
ciZed by the world for the role of the
martyr does not then belong TO us.
Let us rather humble ourselves under
such criticisms and seek for grace to
walk worthy of the Lord unto all
pleasing. Col. l 10.
The Deacon and the SawmlIl.
We have heard of a man who ran
sawmill on the Lords day, regardless
of the fact that many persons passed
the mill on their way to the church
nearby. But he always made an ex-
ception in the case of a certain deacon
and would shut down the machinery
until he had gone by. He would eX-
plain that this deacon was always
prompt in paying his bills, and was
so honorable in every way, that he
felt he must show this token Of re-
spect. Well might this deacon have
borne the name Demetrius!
But we have set before us another
witness to the character of the bearer
of Johns letter namely, "the truth it.
self" Demetrius was a true bible
Christian" his life being attested by
the truth of God set forth in the
Scriptures. What higher praise than
! this is possible? Some earnest per-
sons make much Of their experiences,
while others dwell upon their deeds,
| but here was man whose life
squared with the revealed will of
God, and not merely with his own
ideas.
The Inner Witness.
Some careful students of Scripture
believe that in speaking of "the
truth" John may have had in mind
not only the written word of God, but
also the Living Word, the Lord Jesus
Christ. We quote here the well
chosen words of DR.. Alexander Mac
laren: 'How does He witness? Today
and all through our earthly days, He
will witness by His voice in the inner
man, enlightened and made sensitive
to evil, by His own gracious presence
| l believe that conscience Is always
the irradiation of the light that light
eth every man that cometh into the
world; but l believe that the con
science of the man who is born again
by faith in Jesus Christ is In a more
special manner the voice of Christ
Himself speaking within him. And
when there rises In the heart that
quiet glow which follows His ap
proval, there Is a Witness that nc
voices around, censuring or praising
have the smallest power to affect"
John gives, finally, third attesta
tion of Demetrius, when he says, 1--WE
also bear record" or witness Or. W.
In writing thus, John reveals his owl
loving and generous soul. One of the
greatest living preachers, Dr. Dins
dale II. Young of England, has ex
pressed himself as feeling that the be
setting sin of Christian workers /:
jealousy, and many will agree will
this judgment of one who has had q
wide experience. How blessed If al
were as free to praise as the Apostle
here shows himself to bel
Demetrius might we'll cherish tn,
testimony here borne unto him by til,
beloved disciple. We know how mel
treasure some word of commentator
spoken years ago by ID. l.. Moody OF
some other Christian leader. Blu
what will 1t be to hear the voice o.
Jesus Christ, our Lord, the voice o.
which all music is only dim echo
saying to us, "Well done, good ant
faithful servant, enter thou into tn,
Joy of thy Lord" AS one has said
1T is well to have the witness o.
man; 1t is heaven to have the witness
of the Truth Himself"