Exhortation

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="054fd5a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Tyler - Longview Christadelphian Ecclesia</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tyler Longview Christadelphian Ecclesia"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who We Are">Who We Are</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News and Events">News and Events</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id64.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ecclesial Statements">Ecclesial Statements</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daily Bible Readings">Daily Bible Readings</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Statement of Faith">Statement of Faith</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bible Study">Bible Study</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Apples of Gold">Apples of Gold</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Recent Apples">Recent Apples</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id50.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="God">God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christ">Christ</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Be Ready Always">Be Ready Always</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daughters of Sarah">Daughters of Sarah</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Doctrine">Doctrine</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ecclesial Harmony">Ecclesial Harmony</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Encouragement">Encouragement</A></div> <div> Exhortation</div> <div> <A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Faith">Faith</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fear">Fear</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Flesh">Flesh</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="God Manifestation">God Manifestation</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="In Defense of the Faith">In Defense of the Faith</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Instructing the Children">Instructing the Children</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judgment">Judgment</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kindred Company">Kindred Company</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Kingdom">The Kingdom</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Marriage">Marriage</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Duty">Our Duty</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Walk">Our Walk</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Patience">Patience</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Praise and Poetry">Praise and Poetry</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Prayer">Prayer</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reading">Reading</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Self Examination">Self Examination</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sojourners">Sojourners</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trials of Faith">Trials of Faith</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id52.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="We Have This Treasure">We Have This Treasure</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christadelphian History">Christadelphian History</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Word">The Word</A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFCC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B>Exhortation</B></div> <bR> <div> The mental habit of leaning on God</div> <div> will save you many a care and secure you many a joy.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Build by whatever plan Caprice decrees,</div> <div> With what materials, on what ground you please;</div> <div> But know that Israel's Hope alone shall stand,</div> <div> Which Paul proclaimed in Rome to ev'ry man.</div> <div>  Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> On title page Elpis Israel</div> <div> 4th edition</div> <div>  1878</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The man anxious to be “wise unto salvation” </div> <div> will strive to master the historical part of the Word of God…..</div> <div> not only the nominally historical books,</div> <div> but the prophetic records in which is found the inner history of Israel, </div> <div> the unveiling of God's mind in reference to the transactions of the nation of Israel.</div> <div> Here to read what God thought of them, and intends with them, </div> <div> is to ascend as it were from the arena of human strife to the cool elevated pinnacle of God's Almighty scan.  </div> <div> This altitude is so much above the natural grasp of the human mind</div> <div>  that we have to go there often to become accustomed to it.    </div> <div> An occasional visit to the exalted summit of which we speak is not adequate to our spiritual wants.   </div> <div> The knowledge of God must be constantly streaming through the mind.  </div> <div> The study of the word of God must be incessant…</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Ambassador</div> <div> 1864</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is ours to hold forth the light,</div> <div> And to be lights in the dark places of this midnight hour,</div> <div> if all our labor should prove ineffectual upon the outside world.</div> <div> But we labor not without hope,</div> <div> for we are assured by brother Paul that our labor in the Lord shall not be in vain,</div> <div> and we may find (though it now appears not) when the great muster day comes,</div> <div> that some of those who shall be accounted jewels have been developed and polished by our humble endeavors.</div> <div> Jane Roberts </div> <div> 1883 </div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The crown waits </div> <div> for those whose obedience in days of evil proves them fit.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Personal love will exist</div> <div> in the ratio of the love existing for the truth itself.</div> <div> You only have to pass in review the different classes of people</div> <div> professing the truth to see the truth of this.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A man deliberately makes a choice. A man's religion should never be a Sunday religion, or a deathbed religion.  </div> <div> It should not be the kind of sentiment that depends on tragedy; that is melted by the sun or blown away by the breezes of the mountaintop. </div> <div> It should be a matter if wisdom, deep set, logical, real- a something that is continually present, and takes full and calm possession of the mind.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Are we sufficiently wise to love Him more than the things the world loves,</div> <div> and more than the things that we loved in the days of our ignorance?</div> <div> Upon the answers to these questions, which will be infallibly given one day soon,</div> <div> will hang the destiny of the great matter.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> Seasons of Comfort</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Little sparks sometimes cause big conflagrations.</div> <div> Small leaks sink great ships.</div> <div> Beware of the sparks: look after the leaks,</div> <div> before they get beyond control.</div> <div> 1887 Christadelphian</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Hatred is a quick propagator.</div> <div> Never sow the seed if you can help it.</div> <div> Kindness does not take quick root - sow it nevertheless.</div> <div> Few know not which shall prosper- this or that;</div> <div> and if it all fail,</div> <div> you have the certainty that God will approve your efforts,</div> <div> however feeble, to overcome evil with good.</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1887</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Brethren, whether rich or poor,</div> <div> should all remember</div> <div> that when they are redeemed from the sins of the past,</div> <div> in putting on the Christ-robe of righteousness,</div> <div> through the obedience of faith,</div> <div> they are "a purchased people:'</div> <div> and that when so purchased,</div> <div> the purchaser bought all they possess;</div> <div> so that they are no longer their own,</div> <div> but property of another.</div> <div> Now, when a man purchases a servant,</div> <div> he does not buy him to sit all his days</div> <div> with a bushel on his head in complacent quietude.</div> <div> A slave owns nothing, neither himself, nor anything belonging to self</div> <div> before he came a slave.</div> <div> Such is the relation of brethren to Christ,</div> <div> their Lord and Master.</div> <div> A complacently quiescent Christian is one who will never inherit the kingdom,</div> <div> though his faith be ever so orthodox,</div> <div> or his baptism ever so valid.</div> <div> He is an unprofitable concealer of his Master's property in a napkin.</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> in a letter to brother Roberts</div> <div> My Days and My Ways pg 40</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Our salvation is not to be obtained other than in fear and trembling.</div> <div> There is no time for pleasure-hunting.</div> <div> The service of Christ is now, as it always has been, a course of self denial.</div> <div> Analyze most mens hearts, and self-comfort, self-prosperity, self-honor, self-pleasure,</div> <div> in some form or another, will be found the directing motive.</div> <div> Christ is made to wait on Mr. Self's convenience.</div> <div> It is a dangerous policy; for,</div> <div> without respect of persons,</div> <div> the Father, who judgeth every one's work,</div> <div> will shortly ask of the whole program,</div> <div> "Did ye it for Me?"</div> <div> Christ stands now at the door and knocks...</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Why do we fail?</div> <div> Sometimes we fail to "behold" this.</div> <div> Many things help cloud it from our view-</div> <div> the natural weakness of the flesh,</div> <div> personal shortcomings, preoccupations with the things of this life,</div> <div> physical and mental weariness, trials of various kinds.</div> <div> When we thus fail,</div> <div> we deny ourselves the strength,</div> <div> comfort and help that true worship will provide.</div> <div> We try to fight the battle of life in our own strength,</div> <div> and we wonder why we fail.</div> <div> Therefore, the invitation of the Psalmist provides a means of real help in the fight of faith:</div> <div> "O come, let us worship and bow down;</div> <div> Let us kneel before Yahweh our Maker!"</div> <div> Psa. 95:6</div> <div> H.P Mansfield</div> <div> In Defense of the Faith</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> We must take our example from the good and not from evil.</div> <div> We must, therefore, preach the word,</div> <div> be instant in season and out of season,</div> <div> reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine.</div> <div> We must affirm, constantly, that they which believe in God</div> <div> be careful to maintain good works.</div> <div> The adoption of this plan will be sure to call forth</div> <div> the disfavor of some who will talk about the</div> <div> standard being too high and the call to duty too incessant;</div> <div> but against all such murmurings</div> <div> a wise man will set his face as a flint.</div> <div> The exhortation is the apostle's,</div> <div> the standard is Christ's,</div> <div> and to tamper with it is a crime.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian 1875</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is better to know not the Way of Truth at all</div> <div> than knowing it,</div> <div> to continue in the ways, works and maxims of the flesh.</div> <div> The saintship that is disfigured by a conformity to this</div> <div> God-forgetting,</div> <div> man-fearing,</div> <div> self-seeking,</div> <div> money-making,</div> <div> poor-neglecting,</div> <div> unmercy-showing,</div> <div> proud, unjust, impure,</div> <div> drunken, tobacco-stupified age-</div> <div> even if they are erring,</div> <div> fruitfulness in every good work,</div> <div> always abounding therein with thanksgiving-</div> <div> in the inextinguishable hope of the heavenly calling.</div> <div> This is the portrait drawn by the hand of the spirit:</div> <div> the "image" exhibited for us to try to become conformed to.</div> <div> We become conformed to it "in the renewing of our minds,"</div> <div> which is effected by the Word abiding in us,</div> <div> and the Word abides in us by being continually implanted</div> <div> in the reading and the study of it.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts </div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> "The things that are highly esteemed among men,"</div> <div> says Christ,</div> <div> "are an abomination in the sight of God."</div> <div> This ought to be a hint to us whenever we find</div> <div>  all the world looking after anything.</div> <div> It is a common saying that what everybody says must be true;</div> <div> but, the fact is, the truth is just the contrary of this:</div> <div> what everybody declares to be true is false.</div> <div> There are two classes of ideas in the world:</div> <div> the ideas of man and the ideas of God;</div> <div> and God says that His ideas, ways, and thoughts,</div> <div> are the very opposite of the ideas, ways and thoughts of man;</div> <div> "my thoughts are not your thoughts, </div> <div> neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.</div> <div> For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,</div> <div> and my thoughts than your thoughts."</div> <div> So that what all men think is true, you may tell infallibly,</div> <div> without setting up Popes, to be false.</div> <div> Therefore, the revelation of Jesus, </div> <div> who expounded the mind of the Father, gives us -</div> <div> that which is esteemed among men, is an abomination in the sight of God,</div> <div> is a principle judgment that will save us from making a vast number of mistakes</div> <div> in the political or ecclesial world.</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A truly wise man will take this world as he finds it,</div> <div> using it without abusing it,</div> <div> and "contending earnestly"</div> <div> for nothing - but</div> <div> "the faith once delivered to the Saints."</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There you see what God reprobates:</div> <div> Those things that are highly esteemed among men,</div> <div> are the very essence of abomination in the sight of God,</div> <div> who is purity and truth.</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> We can never too earnestly repeat to ourselves</div> <div> that this is the time of probation-</div> <div> not effectuation.</div> <div> It is our part to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God,</div> <div> who will exalt us in due time.</div> <div> The waiting may be wearying to flesh and blood,</div> <div> but not more wearying than the disappointments</div> <div> that are inevitably associated with all human schemes;</div> <div> and in the end, this is nothing but</div> <div> joy and peace, satisfaction and glory, immortality and perfection</div> <div> for those who with enlightened eye and resolute hand,</div> <div> accept the short-lived position of strangers and pilgrims</div> <div> in the journey to an everlasting place in the house of God.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1894 Christadelphian pg. 62</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> With the increasing degeneracy and warped standards of values</div> <div> which are associated with this present evil world,</div> <div> the clear cut line of demarcation between that which is Godly,</div> <div> and that which is ungodly is becoming increasingly blurred and clouded</div> <div> in the minds of many of Christ's brethren.</div> <div> There is a fearful danger in this.</div> <div> As the world slides further and further downward,</div> <div> spiritually and morally,</div> <div> there exists a grave danger that Christ's brethren</div> <div> begin to passively accept aspects of worldliness,</div> <div> which in earlier times, they would have repudiated and disowned.</div> <div> The present ungodly environment provides the testing ground</div> <div> for the faith of Christ's followers.</div> <div> Will they maintain their integrity before God,</div> <div> unreservedly renouncing "the world" and the "things of the world"?</div> <div> Or</div> <div> will they slowly and by degrees, capitulate to the pressures of the times,</div> <div> thereby developing a philosophical approach towards the Truth</div> <div> which provides licence for breaking down their initial strong stand</div> <div> for those things which are righteous and true</div> <div> in Yahweh's eyes?</div> <div> Brother John Ullman</div> <div> 1983</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is the voice of God that says</div> <div> "come out from among them and be ye separate..."</div> <div> Shall we hesitate to respond to the invitation because</div> <div> of the present inconvenience it entails?</div> <div> That same voice says-</div> <div> "give diligence to make your calling and election sure...Watch ye, stand fast in the faith,</div> <div> quit you like men, be strong....to him that overcometh will I give power over the nations."</div> <div> Shall we refuse the earnest service required, and slacken off and grow supine</div> <div> to suit the easy notions of the natural man?</div> <div> Nay, nay.</div> <div> Wise men will join with Joshua when he said:</div> <div> "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve;</div> <div> as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh."</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> Seasons of Comfort</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There is no good</div> <div> to be done in giving in to failure. </div> <div> Some fall, and incline to lie where they fall.</div> <div> This is a mistake.</div> <div> Let them get up and try again.</div> <div> We do not stand where Adam stood.</div> <div> One offence brought ruin to him; he had no high priest;</div> <div> we have, and are invited to make confession</div> <div> of our failures and trespasses and try again.</div> <div> Obtaining forgiveness, we are told to</div> <div> "hold fast and repent",</div> <div> not losing hope, yet putting ourselves</div> <div> on a strict guard, for, with this,</div> <div> 'Christ is well pleased'.</div> <div> If, on the contrary, we abandon hope</div> <div> and give ourselves up to the world,</div> <div> we seal our own doom.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The way of life so familiar with us today,</div> <div> in its political, social and religious manifestations,</div> <div> is destined to be destroyed at Christ's coming.</div> <div> *</div> <div> How then can we be found identified</div> <div> with that which we hope to help Christ destroy?</div> <div> Logos</div> <div> January -2002</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Criticism</div> <div> is useful when guided by a real discernment,</div> <div> and inspired by a benevolent desire to remove blemish.</div> <div> But very often it is the mere squirt of venom.</div> <div> No prominent author or man of mark has, in any age,</div> <div> escaped detraction at the hand of writers whose mere object</div> <div> is to lower the character of men whose distinction they cannot attain.</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Moses, rejected as a murderer;</div> <div> David, as a rebel; the prophets, as madmen;</div> <div> the apostles, as liars and madmen.</div> <div> See Paul, belittled as a contemptible speaker by false brethren,</div> <div> and hounded to death as a pestilent fellow by his own nation.</div> <div> Example of examples, behold Christ,</div> <div> branded as a gluttonous man and a winebibber,</div> <div> and John the Baptist as a man possessed of demons.</div> <bR> <div> Jesus gives the critics their right place in comparing them to the frivolous chatterers of the market place</div> <div> They are the people whose mentality rises no higher than the capacity to see faults of others;</div> <div> nay, worse, who cannot see their virtues;</div> <div> or, worse still, who, seeing them, cannot for envy allow them;</div> <div> and who, lacking any worth themselves, seek, by lowering others,</div> <div> to attain an eminence they cannot otherwise reach.</div> <div> They are like vicious crabs or scorpions, whose satisfaction lies in</div> <div> snapping their pinchers,</div> <div> even when they have nothing to snap at.</div> <div> They have a mission in the economy of things,</div> <div> doubtless, though it is sometimes hard to see.</div> <div> They, at all events, subject the good to the exercise of patience,</div> <div> which is a good and necessary thing in the development of moral excellence.</div> <div> Praise is encouraging, but relaxing.</div> <div> Blame is depressing, but invigorating; in</div> <div> so far that it throws a man back upon the intrinsic nature of things for the source of his motives,</div> <div> and thus accustoms him to a nobler reliance than upon human compliment.</div> <div> The two seem to be needed in this imperfect state</div> <div> to make a right balance in the forces of moral environment.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is not edifying to hear a brother, </div> <div> whose usual habit it is to show coolness in regard to the meetings and to the general well-being of the Truth,</div> <div> sparkle up when a disturbance is on, and assert his voice and advice.</div> <div> An ecclesia does well to think twice before receiving the council of such a one.</div> <div> His advice may be sound, but in all probability it will not be.</div> <div> A brother who can only be stirred to activity by noise and commotion</div> <div> is an unsafe man - his motive is carnal, and therefore dangerous.</div> <div> A brother who has no disposition to work in quiet times -</div> <div> to support the meetings, to exhort and edify,</div> <div> and to make himself generally useful in the many and varied ecclesial duties -</div> <div> is not a man to be relied upon when the brotherhood is passing</div> <div> through a critical and troublous time.</div> <div> The Truth's best and safest servants will be found to be peace-lovers -</div> <div> who engage in conflict solely  as a duty</div> <div> and then only sadly and reluctantly.</div> <div> Love of the Truth and love of the brethren-</div> <div>  in time of peace as well as in time of war -</div> <div> are traits that should be looked for in men </div> <div> elected to be ecclesial leaders and advisers;</div> <div> and these men should, if possible, be those who have had their</div> <div> hand in making the ecclesia, and whose heart is in their work.</div> <div> Let the brethren and sisters whose first thoughts</div> <div> are for the well being of the brotherhood ponder this advice.</div> <div> Let them behave wisely, and show regard for their sacred and precious trust.</div> <div> Ecclesias require not showmen, but servants-</div> <div> men who are prepared to lose time, money, sleep and even health, for</div> <div> the Truth's interests. Such men are content to await Christ's return for</div> <div> recognition and reward, when the true sons of God will be openly manifested and glorified together.</div> <div> Brother A. T. Jannaway</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> How sad it is when apparently faithful men</div> <div> swerve from the pathway of life,</div> <div> and are led to embrace an error that has the seeds of death in it.</div> <div> But the history of the Truth,</div> <div> from the days of Cain,</div> <div> has witnessed many such examples,</div> <div> underlining the exhortation of Paul:</div> <div> "Therefore let him that think he standeth,</div> <div> take heed lest he fall."</div> <div> Brother H.P. Mansfield</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The Bible would not be complete without a picture of present life</div> <div> as it appears in itself from the divine point of view.</div> <div> In Ecclesiastes we have this picture.</div> <div> It is a picture that experience finds to be true.</div> <div> It is unlike human presentations on the subject.</div> <div> Books and men of all sorts glorify human nature,</div> <div> and paint human life in bright colors.</div> <div> Men take more naturally to words of men than to the words of God.</div> <div> Consequently, they all indulge the most pleasing views and ideals,</div> <div> and go forth hopefully to find good.</div> <div> But one after the other, they all come to experience the truth of the Word of God,</div> <div> that human life now is,</div> <div> "all is vanity and vexation of spirit."</div> <div> The pleasing views dissolve as life advances</div> <div> and the grim nature of current facts is slowly realized,</div> <div> though never finally discerned or clearly understood</div> <div> by those who receive not the teaching of the Bible wisdom.</div> <div> Illusion more or less prevails to the last,</div> <div> for if a man finds not good in his own case, he at least imagines that his neighbor has found it-</div> <div> his neighbor all the while thinking perhaps the same of him!</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The supreme proposal of the Gospel is forgiveness.</div> <div> But this is God's act,</div> <div> and cannot be coerced or induced by any amount of human exertion</div> <div> outside the appointments of His own will.</div> <div> Christadelphian 1898</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There is a danger of our being content</div> <div> with the external compliances of saintship,</div> <div> having a name to live while dead,</div> <div> professing to be Christ's</div> <div> while remaining in league with the world</div> <div> for which he did not pray,</div> <div> and which he will shortly destroy,</div> <div> -and us with it, if we make ourselves of it.</div> <div> No wise man will be content in this matter</div> <div> short of the genuine apostolic ideal.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,</div> <div> where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:</div> <div>  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,</div> <div> where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,</div> <div> and where thieves do not break through nor steal:</div> <div>  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.</div> <div> Matt 6:19-21</div> <bR> <div> All human effort is,</div> <div> in the long run, futile, unless in harmony with God.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> If we store our mind</div> <div> by reading and reflection,</div> <div> we shall be enabled to realize how short are the years as they fly by,</div> <div> and how brief would be the delay of even a whole lifetime.</div> <div> The man who neglects the food of wisdom</div> <div> becomes impoverished and lean in his spiritual man,</div> <div> and too weak to bear the load of present deprivation</div> <div> or to endure the weariness of waiting.</div> <div> God's plans are on a great scale, and of slow growth.</div> <div> If we make ourselves familiar with what is past,</div> <div> we shall understand what is present,</div> <div> and be able to patiently wait what is future.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> If we are prepared to close our eyes to facts,</div> <div> we can delude ourselves that all is well.</div> <div> We will be deaf to false doctrine,</div> <div> and blind to deterioration of morals,</div> <div> and deluded as to the true state of the ecclesias.</div> <div> We will have what some men call peace.</div> <div> But we will have it at the expense of peace with God,</div> <div> as we shall find when Christ returns to arouse us from sleep...</div> <div> Brother H.P. Mansfield</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The principal chamber in the human tabernacle</div> <div> is the brain.</div> <div> And often it is the emptiest.</div> <div> Why? Because the good man of the house has neglected the storage.</div> <div> Nothing comes anywhere by accident.</div> <div> If you do not furnish your mind</div> <div> it will not be furnished,</div> <div> and a man with an unfurnished mind</div> <div> is of a very poor value indeed.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It was prophesied that " the last days" would be a time</div> <div> of peculiar danger to the servants of Christ,</div> <div> in that Paul said perilous times would come (2 Tim. 3:1).</div> <div> That may sound a little odd until one realizes that although the early Christians</div> <div> lived in constant danger of their lives,</div> <div> that was a strain on their courage - but not a threat to their hope of salvation.</div> <div> The last days, warned the Apostle,</div> <div> would be perilous in a different</div> <div> and much more dangerous way.</div> <div> The servants of God would live in the midst</div> <div> of an affluent society which derided the Word of God,</div> <div> and their peril was that they would be drawn away from the Truth.</div> <div> Vain philosophies of men would replace the wholesome teaching of Scripture,</div> <div> and Truth might even once again be completely lost...."</div> <div> Logos</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> "Let it not be our aim</div> <div> to make and keep ourselves comfortable;</div> <div> but to do his work and help his need.</div> <div> He can be assisted in an abundance of ways.</div> <div> The honor of his name, the interests of his truth,</div> <div> the well-being of his people,</div> <div> present us with many opportunities of writing an account</div> <div> that we shall not be ashamed to confront in the day of reckoning.</div> <div> While, then, we comfort our selves, let us be quite sure we</div> <div> are entitled to the comfort, by obedience;</div> <div> first, by purity in all things,</div> <div> and second, by seeking out and performing the Master's will in all things,</div> <div> and occupying ourselves in the execution of it.</div> <div> And let us make up our minds that this will not always be necessarily agreeable.</div> <div> Sometimes it will be exceedingly otherwise..."</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> Seasons of Comfort</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> If we desire to win the prize that Paul has earned,</div> <div> we must not content ourselves with admiring his noble deeds-</div> <div> but must emulate them!</div> <div> Brother H.P. Mansfield</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Men, to be popular with the world, must be of the world, </div> <div> and speak in harmony with the world. </div> <div> The brethren of Christ are not of the world, and, therefore,</div> <div>  the world hates them, as it hated Christ, and for the same reason. </div> <div> The brethren of Christ are lovers of God, and, therefore, </div> <div> cannot be friends of the world, who are not. </div> <div> They may do the world good, as they have opportunity, </div> <div> but it will be on their own ground as saints,</div> <div> which they would leave at the peril of their friendship with God. </div> <div> This, then, is the reason why so few accept the glorious rank of sons of God. </div> <div> It brings with it the world's rejection, which is hard to bear.</div> <div>  No sane man can find pleasure in the world's scorn, </div> <div>  except in the sense in which it is testified of the apostles,</div> <div>  that they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame</div> <div>  for the name of Christ. </div> <div> It is crucifying to the natural man to be looked upon as rubbish and rot.</div> <div> But there is another side. There is a future coming along. </div> <div> “It doth not yet appear what we shall be, </div> <div> but we know that when he shall appear , we shall be like him .” </div> <div> What a wonderful reversal of affairs this will be,</div> <div> when the poor, and the despised, but faithful friends of Christ and lovers of God</div> <div>  are emancipated from the weakness of this corruptible nature,</div> <div> and made glorious, and noble, and immortal, </div> <div> like the Son of God at his return, and exalted to places of honor and power, </div> <div> when the sinners, however mighty, </div> <div> will be put down from their seats everywhere throughout the world.</div> <div>  There is not a man of these arrogant, foul-mouthed men of the present order, </div> <div> but what will want to cringe at the feet</div> <div>  of the smallest of Christ's friends in the day of recompense. </div> <div> They will all be eager to serve Christ then: but it will be too late.</div> <div>  It is not eye service that Christ appreciates: </div> <div> it is not service for the sake of advantage that he will accept, </div> <div> but a service rendered for love's sake, </div> <div> through the power of enlightenment received and cherished</div> <div>  in the day of darkness that prevails in his absence.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> What was the root cause of Sodom's wickedness?</div> <div> Ezekiel declares that it stemmed from the cumulative effect of</div> <div> "pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness".</div> <div> This induced a state of indifference to the ways of righteousness,</div> <div> and a hardness of heart which the Truth could not penetrate.</div> <div> Similar conditions exist in the affluent civilization today.</div> <div> Brother H.P. Mansfield</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Soundness of faith is good; it is indispensable;</div> <div> it is the good foundation on which you may bring forth fruit that shall be unto eternal life: </div> <div> but if, while possessing the stores of divine knowledge,</div> <div> you are destitute of lively-working love of Christ-if you are in bondage to the world,</div> <div> -if you are ensnared by its vitiating pleasures,</div> <div> -held down and held back by its business exigencies,</div> <div> deterred by its faithless anxieties from your duty to God,</div> <div> as represented in His truth and His people,</div> <div> -if your substance is bestowed upon temporal interests merely,</div> <div> -if you have so stewarded your affairs</div> <div> that you cannot spare time for the assemblies convened in His honor,</div> <div> nor money for the objects proposed in His service</div> <div> -if fearfulness that your worldly affairs will suffer damage, </div> <div> keeps you from an open profession and advocacy of His truth;</div> <div> you are in a perilous way however exact your knowledge may be, </div> <div> and had better begin to consider</div> <div> whether you will be able to stand the exacting scrutiny of Him who, </div> <div> in some sense, even in the present,</div> <div> requires that we forsake all and follow Him.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A man perceiving and believing what Christ has offered  to the sons of men,</div> <div> acts in the only reasonable way when he sets his whole heart</div> <div> and strains his utmost strength to attain to it.</div> <div> Who would not exchange a dying body for an immortal one?</div> <div> Who would not part with the weakness and inefficiency of mortal life</div> <div> for the angelic strength and perfection of the spiritual nature which the</div> <div> Lord now has, and which, in various beautiful apocalyptic figures,</div> <div> he offers to give to all who overcome?</div> <div> Who would not leave the present evil world, with all its corruptions,</div> <div> its debasements, its unmercifulnesses, </div> <div> its moral and intellectual hideousnesses,</div> <div> its unequal arrangements, its beastly immoralities and wasting ambitions,</div> <div> its degrading squalors and effeminating extravagances,-</div> <div> its cruel poverties, and distressing arrogances; its degrading ignorances</div> <div> and unblessed, pompous, shallow knowledges-</div> <div> for the Kingdom of God,</div> <div> with its purity, its power, its lofty noblenesses, its kindness,</div> <div> its unutterable beauties of character and condition,</div> <div> its thrice blessed arrangement of all men into one happy,</div> <div> prosperous family, under true nobles of immortal life and power-</div> <div> God over all, praised for ever?</div> <div> The man must lack eyes and heart who would falter.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The foundation of all divine joy is righteousness.</div> <div> There can be no coming of the redeemed to Zion with singing until sin</div> <div> has been condemned and righteousness declared</div> <div> in the results that necessarily attend the reign to sin.</div> <div> Here is where and why the cross comes before the crown.</div> <div> Everlasting joy is sown in tears, but we know the psalm that says,</div> <div> “He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless</div> <div> comes again with rejoicing.</div> <div> They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”</div> <div> The glorious Messiah himself was no exception.</div> <div> “With strong crying and tears he made supplication to Him that was able</div> <div> to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.”</div> <div> Therefore, concludes this sorrowful chapter,</div> <div> “I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the</div> <div> spoil with the strong.”</div> <div> It is nothing more nor less than a promise of his exaltation to place and</div> <div> power,</div> <div> and honor, and position, and glory, and joy,</div> <div> in the day when the high places of the earth will be occupied by his</div> <div> friends,</div> <div> and his friends alone.</div> <div> Then will be the day of the new heavens and new earth,</div> <div> wherein dwelleth righteousness and every good thing.</div> <div> May we all be there to rejoice with him.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian 1895</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Be swift to hear: slow to speak: slow to be angry.</div> <div> It is not seemly to discourse of grave truth in a flippant manner, </div> <div> or to speak of holy things with jest.</div> <div> “Gravity and sincerity” is the Apostolic prescription.</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1888</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <I>“We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard,</I></div> <div> <I>lest at any time we let them slip.”</I></div> <div> ..It is this “letting them slip” that is the danger-it is so easy-it is so natural. </div> <div> There are things that we must do, and that there is a certain amount of pleasure in doing.</div> <div> We must sleep; we must get up and have a morning (bath)...;</div> <div> we must have breakfast...; we must go forth to some kind of occupation </div> <div> (for in the present state of human life, the rule is inexorable,</div> <div>  that if a man do not work he cannot eat);</div> <div> we must continue at our occupation, with slight intermission, till nightfall,</div> <div> and return home fatigued with the day's labor, and ready for the blankets once more. </div> <div> There is a “must” about all these things that we cannot escape. </div> <div> As to the things of God, there is only an “ought” which is not so strong. </div> <div> The danger is, the “must” will carry the day to the exclusion of the “ought.”</div> <div> We have to make a place for the “ought,” whereas the “must” makes a place for itself. </div> <div> Here is the battle. Shall we lose or win it? That is the question.</div> <div> Some will win; some will lose; that is certain.</div> <div> We all want to win; that also is certain.</div> <div> Well, all are invited, and all will be welcome to win, </div> <div> but the conditions are the same for all and will be enforced.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian 1898</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> “Is it worth while?”</div> <div>  there are several remarks that cannot be too strongly made.</div> <div>  The question savours of barbarism or insanity. </div> <div> The man's judgment must be in a curious fog </div> <div> who could put God's offered salvation into the scales</div> <div>  with anything under the sun or over it.</div> <div>  It is not a thing to be appraised.</div> <div>  It is not a thing to be accepted at an estimate of value. </div> <div> It is an offer bearing on its front the rights of the offerer-the owner of all things-</div> <div> in a way that brings unutterable peril to the man who rejects it.</div> <div>  The rights of God are little thought of by many </div> <div> who languidly hear of the kindness of God. </div> <div> The kindness of God is not for those who insult Him by a light estimate of His greatness,</div> <div> and who handle His offered mercy as a customer might handle a piece of merchandise</div> <div>  to see if it is worth having. </div> <div> God is a terrible majesty, as the smallest effort of reason tells any man: </div> <div> He is to be had in extremest reverence of all who approach Him.</div> <div> Any other approach He will resent as a consuming fire.</div> <div>  The whole Mosaic economy teaches this.</div> <div>  The man who receives an invitation to become His son, and asks, </div> <div> “Is it worth while?”</div> <div>  is in the act of  “treasuring up for himself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1884</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> If our appreciation of the gospel rises no higher than the comfort of being saved, </div> <div> we receive the grace of God in vain. </div> <div> Our heart must be filled with an appreciation of the greatness, and goodness, </div> <div> and worthiness, and unspeakable excellence of Him by whom all things have been made. </div> <div> The first feature of a true son is that he knows, loves, and glories in his father. </div> <div> The love of his father's property would not be accepted as an equivalent</div> <div>  for personal love.</div> <div>  Our love of eternal life and the kingdom of God will not stand instead of the</div> <div>  “loving of the Lord our God with all our hearts,”</div> <div>  which is,  “the first and great commandment.”</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1872</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> ... The ecclesia-</div> <div> the aggregate of called out-ones-</div> <div> in other words the sum total of those</div> <div>  who have believed and obeyed the truth of the gospel,</div> <div> -are said by Paul to be “the pillar and ground of the truth.”</div> <div> Hence every constituent element of the community</div> <div> -every man and woman who has entered it,</div> <div> has an individual part to contribute to this general function.</div> <div> They are all “witnesses,” </div> <div> are all fellows of the individual Antipas (mentioned in Rev. 2:13 .) </div> <div> who was slain for his testimony in Pergamos;</div> <div> and members of the symbolical Antipas whose Ishmaelite relationship to mankind is expressed in the etymology of the name -against all.</div> <div> It is their essential character to be light-shiners, witnesses of the truth,</div> <div> testifiers of God's judgment and mercies as doctrinally </div> <div> developed in the message of the Apostles; </div> <div> and in the faithful sustaining of this character</div> <div>  they put themselves into antagonism with “all,” </div> <div> for nothing is so unsavoury to the carnal mind-</div> <div> if ever so well bred-as any allusion to God's purposes, </div> <div> and nothing will more certainly blast a man's popularity,</div> <div> nothing more infallibly destroy his social caste, </div> <div> than a consistent profession of his faith in these things.</div> <div> God and the world are sworn enemies.</div> <div> Hence to be “the friend of the world is to be the enemy of God.” </div> <div> No one who is on God's side can be friends with the world;</div> <div> he will entirely disrelish the world, and the world will heartily hate him. </div> <div> This arises from mutual incompatibility.</div> <div> His testimony, verbal and enacted concerning God's purposes, </div> <div> involves a testimony to God's moral relations to the world;</div> <div> for the purposes arise out of the relationship.</div> <div> To testify the purpose comprehensively is to testify the claims of God,</div> <div> the absolute subordination of man, the wretchedness of his destiny in Adam, </div> <div> his ephemerally, his wickedness, his misery;</div> <div> and all this the world heartily dislikes,</div> <div> because it takes from the dignity and importance of those present schemes and occupations in which it is diversely engrossed, </div> <div> and in which it feels so high and lifted up, </div> <div> and because it is so thoroughly uncongenial to all its sentiments; </div> <div> for “the carnal mind is enmity against God; </div> <div> it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be.”</div> <div> Rom. 8:7</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian 1864</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The world from God's standpoint is incorrigibly bad-</div> <div> “the whole world lieth in wickedness.”</div> <div>  This truth the saints should keep vividly before them. </div> <div> Let us consider the significance of the expressions which the Scriptures apply to it:</div> <div> -vain-ignorant-rebellious-cruel-corrupt</div> <div>  -dark-asleep-dead-blind-drunk-mad.</div> <div>  If we keep these characteristics steadily before the mind,</div> <div>  it will stimulate us to be circumspect-</div> <div> it will steel us to resist the deadly influences which assail us on every side.</div> <div>  But though possessed of this character, the world serves a purpose. </div> <div> Otherwise it would not exist.</div> <div>  Neither would the faithful be made to struggle within it.</div> <div>  “The creature was subject to vanity, not willingly, </div> <div> but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.” </div> <div> The world is God's machinery, </div> <div> by means of which He produces that character which is essential</div> <div>  for an eternal life in His kingdom. </div> <div> Christ prayed not that his disciples might be taken out of the world, </div> <div> but that they might be kept or guarded in it.</div> <div>  To go the way of the world is fatal.</div> <div>  To withstand it-though a painful and distressing exercise-</div> <div> evolves that spiritual strength and vigor which lead on victory.</div> <div>  Let us realize the good that God is accomplishing in relating us to evil,</div> <div>  and there will be more patience and less complaining.</div> <div> Brother A. T. Jannaway</div> <div>      The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1887</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Personal love will exist in the ratio of the love existing for the Truth itself.</div> <div> You only have to pass in review the different classes of people</div> <div> professing the Truth to see the truth of this.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1868</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is easy to destroy: it is difficult to create.</div> <div>  It is easy to pull down - but not to build.</div> <div>  It is easy to stop but not to go on.</div> <div>  Wise men are always found in the second of the series, fools generally in the first.</div> <div>  A fool can find fault with things that a great many wise men cannot mend. </div> <div> Your time is short; your powers are small.</div> <div>  Make the best of things,</div> <div>  O man.</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1888</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A man deliberately makes a choice. </div> <div> A man's religion should never be a Sunday religion, or a deathbed religion.</div> <div>   It should not be the kind of sentiment that depends on tragedy; </div> <div> that is melted by the sun or blown away by the breezes of the mountaintop.</div> <div> It should be a matter if wisdom, </div> <div> deep set, logical, real -</div> <div> a something that is continually present,  </div> <div> and takes full and calm possession of the mind.</div> <div> The Ambassador</div> <div> 1868</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <I>“Supposing I send bread to a bakehouse and the journeyman spoils it through carelessness, </I></div> <div> <I>should I be justified in applying to his master for recompense, seeing my application might lead to the man's discharge?”</I> -H.E.B.</div> <div> Answer .-Jesus prescribes to his disciples a very simple and intelligible rule of action </div> <div> which is applicable to all such matters:</div> <div> “As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.”</div> <div> Supposing H.E.B. were the “baker's man,” with orders from baker man to</div> <div>  “bake me a cake as fast as you can;” </div> <div> and supposing, like Alfred the Great, he were to indulge in reverie instead of minding the cake, </div> <div> and to discover that, in the words of David ( Ps. 39:3 ),</div> <div> while he mused, the fire burned “the cake,” would he that baker man should go to his master,</div> <div> and endanger his daily bread! </div> <div> No; he would be much obliged to him if he would take his tribulation quietly,</div> <div> and be content with a promise that he should try to do better next time.</div> <div> “As ye would that men should do unto you..."</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Evil habits are like bad fruit;</div> <div> just as one rotten apple will affect the good fruit surrounding it,</div> <div> until the whole case is ruined.</div> <div> So, a few evil thoughts, and bad company, if encouraged,</div> <div> will slowly alter our characters.</div> <div> First we begin to excuse things we know are wrong,</div> <div> then we profess to see no harm in them,</div> <div> and finally we are found doing them.</div> <div> Brother H.P. Mansfield</div> <div> Story of the Bible Vol. 1</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <I>Do we not feel like Peter?</I></div> <div> `Lord, I am ready to go with thee unto prison and to death.” </div> <div> Peter failed in the first trial; but afterwards,</div> <div> he went both to prison and to death for Christ's sake, </div> <div> and was of those who</div> <div> “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” </div> <div> So must we, even should we quail at the first shock of battle, overcome at the last,</div> <div> and be found among those who earn the victor's crown, </div> <div> setting all foes and all consequences at defiance in our determination </div> <div> to walk in that path of faith and obedience that alone leadeth unto life. </div> <div> And if we gain comfort and courage</div> <div> from that eventful thirty-three years and a half that our Lord lived in the flesh,</div> <div> do we not gain light and wisdom for our present goings?” </div> <div> He “left us an example that we should tread in his steps.” </div> <div> What did he do? </div> <div> How did he spend his time? To what did he devote his life? </div> <div> These are questions for us to consider. He went about doing good. </div> <div> He was an object of attraction even then. </div> <div> The people crowded to him wherever he went. </div> <div> We cannot hope to draw people as he drew them, </div> <div> but in a measure we can follow in his steps. </div> <div> We can take the lesson he gives us, and become “servants of all.”</div> <div> We can make it our business to minister, instead of to be ministered unto. </div> <div> We can seek to “do good;” to be “ready unto every good work” in our little way.</div> <div> It is not agreeable work except from the dutiful point of view,</div> <div> but patiently continued in, we shall have a full reward. </div> <div> Fellowshipping the sufferings of Christ we shall be invited into his joy.</div> <div> And, oh, what joy!</div> <div> Christ was an attraction in the day of his humiliation,</div> <div> but much more will he be an attraction in the day of his glory.</div> <div> He will be the blessing of God upon earth, </div> <div> and we shall be a blessing with him if he count us worthy of so great a fellowship.</div> <div> <I>Brother Robert Roberts</I></div> <div> 1870</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Now, the devil intensely pious is “a wolf in sheep's clothing”;</div> <div> in other words, Human Nature pretending to be what it is not-</div> <div> pretending to be a partaker of the Divine Nature:</div> <div> a wolf pretending to be a sheep. </div> <div> But such a pretender is a hypocrite, and only a hypocrite</div> <div>  and can naturally be nothing else but a hypocrite.</div> <div>  A hypocrite is one who personates a character, a playactor.</div> <div>  The Pharisees were denounced as hypocrites because</div> <div>  “they <I>feigned</I> themselves just men.”</div> <div>  Here the just man's character became the garb of the hypocrite.</div> <div> They played the part of just men for the purpose of ruining the Holy and the Just One;</div> <div>  which he perceiving, his indignation was aroused, and he exclaimed</div> <div>  “Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”</div> <div> When, then, a man professes to be full of zeal for the truth;</div> <div>  makes great and wordy demonstration for “the precious cause”; </div> <div> gets up pious melodies, preaches, and so forth, </div> <div> you have before you all the paraphernalia of pietism.</div> <div>  It is possible he may know the truth and be really zealous for it; </div> <div> but if he is of the right stamp, he will be a man of action, not of profession. </div> <div> But to know whether he is genuine or counterfeit, </div> <div> a wolf or a sheep, an original or a hypocrite,</div> <div>  we must work by the rule given by Him, who, in his day,</div> <div>  was the terror of hypocrites, namely,</div> <div> “<I> By their fruits shall ye know them</I> .” </div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A sharp tongue</div> <div> is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use-</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1862</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> “Come out from amongst them, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.”</div> <div>  Doing this, we have peace with God,</div> <div>  because we know He is not angry with those who believe His promises,</div> <div>  hope in His word, and obey his commandments.</div> <div>  If we trifle with His word, </div> <div> or allow other things to have a higher place in our affections,</div> <div>  we have no ground for peace;</div> <div>  but if we magnify His word and give ourselves to the contemplation of it,</div> <div>  we may indulge a peace that passeth understanding. </div> <div> God is not angry with those who chew the cud,</div> <div>  but with the unclean beasts that take His word,</div> <div>  bolt it, and think nothing more about it. </div> <div> We appear here this morning to chew the cud,</div> <div>  brethren and sisters:</div> <div> let us chew it to profit.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1869</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The truth in the present day is like the book of the law in the time of Josiah-</div> <div> hidden away and lost sight of.</div> <div> Certain ones have lighted upon this priceless treasure.</div> <div> The truth has revealed to such </div> <div> that there has been a wholesale departure from the way of God, </div> <div> that the world around is utterly sunk in iniquity, and, that,</div> <div> as in the case of Josiah's contemporaries, the wrath of God is impending.</div> <div> Let those who in these days have found “the book of the law”</div> <div> diligently follow Josiah's example, </div> <div> by making themselves acquainted with its contents,</div> <div> by humbling themselves before God, </div> <div> and by actively and persistently endeavoring to enlighten their neighbors. </div> <div> Josiah's character is that exhibited by all the faithful,</div> <div> viz., 1st, a supreme regard for God and His word, and,</div> <div> 2ndly, a practical love for others. </div> <div> “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,</div> <div> and trembleth at my word.”</div> <div> Brother A. T. Jannaway</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Our brethren in the first century fortified themselves by the reflection that</div> <div> “the sufferings of this present time </div> <div> are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us;”</div> <div> and shall we look at them with a different eye</div> <div>  who are seeking to follow in their footsteps?</div> <div> God permits suffering to His chosen for this very purpose, </div> <div> “that the trial of their faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,</div> <div> though it be tried with fire,</div> <div> might be found unto praise and honour and glory,</div> <div>  at the appearing of Christ.”-( 1 Pet. 1:7 .)</div> <div> He puts his children in the furnace to try them, as gold, </div> <div> that the dross may be consumed. </div> <div> No character is complete till it is tried. </div> <div> A man or a woman is worth little as a companion, </div> <div> either for wisdom or sympathy, who has not seen trouble.</div> <div> Those believers, “living in pleasure are dead while they live.”</div> <div> Having a name to live, they are dead;</div> <div> they are not awake to the great and dread realities of existence that are in God.</div> <div> If God love, he will draw them into the furnace in some way. </div> <div> This is the word of Christ to the seven churches. </div> <div> “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.”-( Rev. 3:19 .)</div> <div> Again, “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, </div> <div> and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” </div> <div> If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; </div> <div> for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? </div> <div> If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers,</div> <div>  then are ye bastards and not sons.-( Heb. 12:6-8 .)</div> <div> It cannot be that this principle should apply to the sons of God </div> <div> in the first century, and not apply now.</div> <div> <I><B>God changeth not; </B></I>and if we are his,</div> <div>  we are as much the objects of his care as his children were in the beginning.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1871</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> In matters of great concern and which must be done,</div> <div> there is no surer argument of a weak mind than irresolution:</div> <div> to be undetermined where the case is so plain, and the necessity so urgent.</div> <div> To be always intending to live a new life, but never to find time to set about it -</div> <div> this is as if a man should put off eating, and drinking and sleeping,</div> <div> from one day and right to another, till he is starved and destroyed.</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> 1851 Herald</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The course of obedience may be trying to the flesh and blood. </div> <div> It is intended to be so. </div> <div> No test of our faith could be more complete or beneficial</div> <div> than the command to do things contrary to our natural inclinations,</div> <div>  and which there is no reason for doing but the simple one that they are commanded: </div> <div> but if the trial is heavy, the prize of victory is beyond our power to estimate.</div> <div>  And our trial is only short at the longest. </div> <div> It will soon be over, even if we live the full age of man. </div> <div> A human life time is not even a tick on the clock of eternity, </div> <div> and when past, it is past never to return. </div> <div> Well therefore may we accept whatever portion of the suffering of Christ</div> <div> comes to us through the obedience of his commandments. </div> <div> Well may we say with him,</div> <div>  “the cup which my Father has given me to drink, shall I not drink it?”</div> <div>  If we suffer with him we shall reign. </div> <div> Our light affliction which is but for a moment,</div> <div>  worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1877</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There is no peace to the wicked. </div> <div> God is angry with them. </div> <div> There is no life out of Christ for anybody, </div> <div> though it would be a “philanthropic” thing to bestow good indiscriminately. </div> <div> There is no setting aside the law of God, though God is love.</div> <div>  There is no escaping the judgments which are coming on the world,</div> <div>  though God intends to bless the world through Abraham and his seed.</div> <div> <B> “ First pure, </B><I><B>then peaceable</B></I><B> :”</B></div> <div>  this is the divine rule.</div> <div>  First conformity to God's arrangement;</div> <div>  then reconciliation, tranquility, and joy.</div> <div> <I>Brother Robert Roberts</I></div> <div> 1866</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> One small cloud can hide the sun.</div> <div> One small stone can wreck a train.</div> <div> One small word may sometimes break the heart.</div> <div> <I>Brother Robert Roberts</I></div> <div> 1889</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> "My visit to the neighborhood </div> <div> (i.e. of <I>Good Hope</I> near north Carolina) </div> <div> was only known a few hours before I arrived.  </div> <div> I found some of the brethren absent.  This ought to be a rare thing; </div> <div> because the only proper place for the faithful is around the Lord's table on the first day of the week.  </div> <div> But all who pass for saints <I>pro tempore </I>are not faithful; and therefore do not act faithfully. </div> <div>  Some day, the Lord's angel will come upon them unexpectedly as I did, and find them missing; </div> <div> when it will be no excuse that they were at home..."</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> 1865</div> <bR> <div> <B>...in contrast</B> </div> <div> - here is a good example for us all:</div> <div> "Sister Anne Barker had been in a state of great feebleness for a lengthened period...</div> <div> She showed a most exemplary interest in the brethren and sisters </div> <div> and the meetings to the last.  </div> <div> So long as she was able to crawl out of doors, </div> <div> she attended the meeting, resting on door steps on the way."</div> <div> From the Intelligence Report of Halifax, England 1865</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Brother G. Waite, Stockport:-</div> <div> “Another `Christmas' has come and gone, and the traditional epoch of Christ's birth has been celebrated with the usual eating, drinking, and making merry by the children of this world. `A merry Christmas to you all,' say they, and so the godless world makes a grand effort to forget, for a while, the troubles which are coming upon it. `A merry Christmas to you.' Oh! how I dislike such a greeting, especially when it falls from the lips of a brother. It may, perchance, be from want of thought, but none the less objectionable. Brethren of Christ should take heed, lest by their words they countenance (unwittingly) the dominion of sin. And what a host of evils are associated with `a merry Christmas.' How much more becoming to hear brethren greet one another with some expression of hope that the Lord may come before another `Christmastide,' which will be indeed a merry Christmas to the children of light. So also with the new year, which is close upon us: how can it be `happy' to Zion's children while the city of their love remains desolate and their beloved is still absent? `May the Lord come this year,' is the only greeting which is capable of striking the chord of sympathy and happiness in the breast of the pilgrim who is in quest of a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God..."</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is more difficult to be wise in prosperity than in adversity.</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div>     1994</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> We are here this morning waiting for the coming of this glorious state of things.</div> <div>  We see many signs of its nearness, but still we wait and shall wait.</div> <div>  We are in that situation described by the Lord as the position of His waiting servants </div> <div> in the day of His coming: though His coming is due,</div> <div>  we know neither the day or hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.</div> <div>  Shall we weary at any delay-however prolonged it may appear to our weak faculties? </div> <div> Nay: God helping us, we shall be found at our post to the last if we die there. </div> <div> If he come this year, we shall give praise.  If he come next year, we shall rejoice no less for the prolonging,  if he come in five years we shall say</div> <div>  “Lo this is our God, we have waited for him, let us be glad and rejoice in the salvation,”</div> <div>  But if he come not in ten years, we shall still hold in courage. </div> <div> If he come not in twenty years, we shall wait;</div> <div>  yea, if he come not in fifty years, we shall not despair.</div> <div>  The times and the signs forbid such a prospect, </div> <div> still the whole matter stands so strongly established on the pledged</div> <div>  and already largely fulfilled purpose of God, </div> <div> that even were our expectations to prove more premature than is possible, </div> <div> reason would calmly abide the appointed working out of things. </div> <div> Time is nothing to God though long to us.</div> <div>  “A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past.” </div> <div> Our attitude cannot better be marked out for us than in Paul's beautiful words, </div> <div> “Be ye steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, </div> <div> knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is not for the rich to preach contentment to the poor.</div> <div> It is not for the poor to dictate generosity to the rich.</div> <div> It is for every man to preach the virtues which is in his power</div> <div> - to illustrate by his own example.</div> <div> If men would judge themselves and not their neighbors,</div> <div> more progress would be made-</div> <div>  Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1888</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <div>  </div> <div> "Brother Rhodes was absent from severe illness.</div> <div> Brother Clissett was spending the day at Heckmondwike, according to previous notice.</div> <div> Brother Kaye was detained by another engagement. </div> <div>  Sister Kaye not so well- remained at home. </div> <div> Sister Roberts was kept at home with baby,</div> <div>  in consequence of the wetness of the weather, having no umbrella.</div> <div> Brother Roberts was therefore the only one in attendance....."</div> <div>  - Huddersfield ecclesia, Nov. 10th 1861</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <B> Contentment </B></div> <div> is a good thing</div> <div> until it reaches that point where it sits in the shade and lets the weeds grow. </div> <bR> <div> We shall never <I>drift</I> into the Kingdom: </div> <div> but shall only attain to it after a course of earnest and diligent striving. </div> <div> It is fatal to allow the drifting process to set in.</div> <div>  Those who do will find themselves at last in the hopeless position</div> <div>  of being found without the “wedding garment.”</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1903</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Imprint </div> <div> <I>the beauties of the prophets upon your imagination,</I></div> <div> and their morals upon your heart.</div> <div>  Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come</div> <div> 1852</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> This taken from a letter written three months before sister Mary fell asleep. Her thoughtful words should make us all contemplate the use of <I>our</I> time.</div> <div> Can we now look back with the same satisfaction as sister Mary did? Has our time thus far been well spent?</div> <div> Time is a most precious commodity- it is what life is made up of. </div> <div> It's use <I>or </I>abuse will determine our eternal destiny</div> <bR> <div> "...How short a time our little span is, when we <I>look back</I> on it, truly a vapor. </div> <div> While it is before us, it seems like a millennium, and while we think of it, <I>it is gone</I>; </div> <div> and we realize the perfect truthfulness of the scriptural descriptions of our life.</div> <div> So far as we have devoted it to wisdom's ways, we have satisfaction in looking back. </div> <div> Perhaps those who have made it their work to look forward have the greatest satisfaction in looking back. </div> <div> Many things have happened to both of us during the last twenty years, </div> <div> but we are both still found looking for the Kingdom of God,</div> <div> which the history of our own little space seems to have brought so much nearer. </div> <div> This, above everything else, is the one thing to be thankful for.</div> <div> All our old friends have not retained their interest in the great future. </div> <div> Many of them have drifted off, or been whirled away by hurricanes, </div> <div> and we know them no more in the paths of the truth. </div> <div> These are some of the bitter things by the way, </div> <div> without an experience of which we should not be prepared for service in the future."</div> <div>  Sister Mary Randles </div> <div> (composer of a number of our hymns) </div> <div> 1902</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Evil speaking </div> <div> is a characteristic of the world. </div> <div> So common is it that its heinousness is not perceived. </div> <div> God has pronounced it <I>a crime</I>. </div> <div> His hatred to it is repeatedly emphasized.</div> <div>  Are we resisting or yielding to this popular sin? </div> <div> <I>“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,</I></div> <div> <I> be put away from you, with all malice.”</I></div> <div>  This commandment cannot be infringed with impunity.</div> <div>  Woe to evil surmisers, false accusers, and tale bearers!</div> <div>  Their conduct separates them from God. </div> <div> Gehenna is their certain goal. </div> <div> What righteous man is not pained to hear his brother maligned? </div> <div> Think you not that Christ shares this feeling? </div> <div> Let us not indulge in evil speaking </div> <div> under the unjustifiable notion that we think our brother is deserving of it. </div> <div> God has provided rules for dealing with transgressors.</div> <div>  These rules rigidly prohibit us allowing evil thoughts to rankle in our minds, </div> <div> much less of infusing them into others. </div> <div> Assuming that we have ground for righteous indignation,</div> <div>  let us refrain from acting unscripturally.</div> <div>  Let us follow an example set us-</div> <div> “being reviled, we bless,</div> <div> being persecuted, we suffer it, being defamed, we intreat.”</div> <div> Brother A. T. Jannaway</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1887</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Be thankful. Be intensely thankful.</div> <div> Be continuously thankful - every moment.</div> <div> We can never be thankful enough: </div> <div> we just do not have the physical and mental capacity to be as thankful as we should.</div> <div> No matter how bad or sad our circumstances may be,</div> <div> there are always grounds for more thankfulness than we are humanly </div> <div> able to feel or express.</div> <div> Being thankful has many practical values.</div> <div> It is wholesome. It is healthy. It is therapeutic.</div> <div> It refreshes and clears and invigorates the mind.</div> <div> It wonderfully flushes out the rubbish and the petty cares.</div> <div> It is an automatic antidote to much foolishness and fleshiness.</div> <div> No one can be thankful and lonely at the same time:</div> <div> or thankful and angry:</div> <div> or thankful and self-pitying.</div> <div> Not if its true, deep, spiritual thankfulness.</div> <div> Thankfulness is a powerful incentive to do what is right, and to resist what is wrong.</div> <div> It is a major ingredient of our love for God.</div> <div> It is a wonderful remembrancer - keeping the mind fixed on God and His goodness.</div> <div> "Give thanks Always for all things" Ephesians 5:20</div> <div> - for the "bad" as well as the "good."</div> <div> For all is part of a deep and wise Divine Purpose that is training us for eternity, </div> <div> and leading us to life.</div> <div>  Brother Gilbert V Growcott</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There is a certain kind of simplicity that is good;</div> <div> simplicity concerning that which is evil. (Ro. 14:19)</div> <div> But to be simple in the sense of the Proverb, is evil.</div> <div> To be simple in this sense is to be undiscerning.</div> <div> What we hear requires discernment as to whether we receive it or not;</div> <div> and this discernment comes from experience and reflection.</div> <div> Most of the talk that goes on among men is mere babble.</div> <div> Even things untrue, or most inaccurate, easily get into circulation and credit,</div> <div>  with the common run of people, and if you trust the echoes of common talk, </div> <div> you will certainly be led astray -</div> <div> grievously so, sometimes, especially so as affecting matters of divine principle.</div> <div> Exercise discernment: </div> <div> make sure your foundations, before committing yourself.</div> <div> Be not of the simple, who believe every word.</div> <div> On the other hand, do not belong to that order,</div> <div>  the more pretentious class of simpletons, </div> <div> who believes nothing unless their own precious eyes have seen.</div> <div> Nothing requires less capacity that unbelief. </div> <div> It is the highest exercise of the finest faculties of the human organization,</div> <div>  that enables the mind judicially to extract conviction from evidence</div> <div>  that may lie scattered far and wide.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The elegant tongue</div> <div>  of even angelic oratory Paul teaches us to despise </div> <div> when divorced from ways of righteousness and truth.</div> <div> We implore true men to take care. </div> <div> A flattering tongue is powerful to lead men into ways of destruction.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Men on a journey</div> <div>  do not unnecessarily burden themselves.</div> <div> A man running to catch a train puts up with the dust</div> <div>  and discomfort of his hurried exertion.</div> <div> The principle is the same. In the race for life eternal,</div> <div> there are many things lawful enough in the abstract,</div> <div> that if viewed in relation to the object to be attained,</div> <div> are highly inexpedient, and are to be "laid aside," as Paul advises.</div> <div> It is a simple, and a safe, and a reasonable, and a wise rule,</div> <div> and one that gives us much cause for joy at the last,</div> <div> to dispense with every habit or pleasure, or occupation, or friend,</div> <div> that hinders our progress in the narrow way.</div> <div>  It is better to make our calling and election sure </div> <div> at the expense of worldly friends and engagements and advantages,</div> <div> than secure all these in this present time, and find, at last,</div> <div> that we have cherished them at the expense of Christ's approbation, </div> <div> and have to pay for them with the loss of the kingdom of God. </div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A pity </div> <div> it will be if when the Lord comes,</div> <div> faith be found in a dying state in a community which in some sense</div> <div>  may be said to have borne the burden and heat of the day.</div> <div> Let us then "be watchful" and strengthen the things that remain and are ready to die.</div> <div> -selected-</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is an apostolic command</div> <div>  that we "be not conformed to this world"</div> <div> (Romans 12:2),</div> <div>  and this command can only be obeyed by being carried into all our relations,</div> <div> as regards the spirit in which we act, and the objects for which we live.</div> <div> This will decide many questions for which there is no specific answer in the Scriptures -</div> <div> forms of entertainment, as well as other things.</div> <div> James says, </div> <div> "Is any merry? Let him sing psalms."</div> <div> This would be the last way of making merry the world would think of.</div> <div> Their merry making is a mere rollick </div> <div> in which the animal spirits are given off and used up without reference to God.</div> <div> Phil 4:8-9</div> <div>  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,</div> <div>  whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,</div> <div>  whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;</div> <div>  if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.</div> <div>  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:</div> <div>  and the God of peace shall be with you.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts </div> <div>  </div> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." </div> <div> It is a good principle when the work is a good one;</div> <div> and will bring together at last a hearty, joyous, effective company,</div> <div>  who will take in hand the regeneration of the world by the power of God. </div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Consider Your Ways!</div> <div> Haggai 1: 12</div> <div>  The work of rebuilding had come to a stop-</div> <div> The Samaritans their enemies succeeded their plot.</div> <div> Instead they built houses, most lavish and grand,</div> <div> So God sent a drought that would dry up the land.</div> <div> His message to Joshua by Haggai came</div> <div> From Yahweh of Armies, the militant Name.</div> <div> "Consider your ways, you have little to eat,</div> <div> I've withheld My blessings, small harvest you reap.</div> <div> Return to rebuilding, make sure that you labor</div> <div> For that which endures and gains you My favor".</div> <div> We also like them have a building to make.</div> <div> And from slumber and sleeping we too must awake.</div> <div> Our personal effort, though feeble and small</div> <div> Will please our Creator if on Him we call.</div> <div> If faithful and willing and cheerful we labor,</div> <div> His grace is sufficient to grant us His favor.</div> <div> So let us each one then, Consider Our Way</div> <div> For the message applies still to us in this day.</div> <div> Amid all the trails, frustrations and pain</div> <div> We can win if we love Him and trust in His Name.</div> <div> Logos 1985</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A man (if he would be saved) must throw away his Babylonish garments,</div> <div> and being cleansed, by the Word of the Kingdom,</div> <div> have his body washed with pure water (Heb. 10:22) in the name of Jesus,</div> <div> and so put on the spotless robe.</div> <div> In brief, he must "believe the Gospel of the Kingdom and be baptized;"</div> <div> and thenceforth, "live soberly, and righteously in this present world."</div> <div>  Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Men reap as they sow even now.</div> <div> If we are content with an one-talent knowledge of the Truth -</div> <div> if we rest upon that mere outline - knowledge of the Scriptures which leads to the belief and obedience of the Gospel -</div> <div> if having become sufficiently enlightened to put on the name of Christ,</div> <div> we thenceforth leave the subject to rest,</div> <div> and devote our energies to know other knowledge, and other pleasures, and other cares,</div> <div> we shall never attain to that knowledge of God that results in His love and fear;</div> <div> we shall never become subject to that rich indwelling of the word of Christ which Christ desires in those to be chosen.</div> <div> Wisdom is not to be attained with a slack hand.</div> <div> "Wisdom is the principal thing, and with all thy getting, get understanding. "</div> <div>  Brother Robert Roberts </div> <div> The Christadelphian May 1882</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> "God hath appointed a day" and a man.</div> <div> Both stand at the door.</div> <div> The door will open, and both will enter to the</div> <div>  astonishment, and affright overthrow, and affliction, </div> <div> and ultimate blessedness and peace of all mankind.</div> <div> "Behold, I come as a thief: blessed is he that</div> <div>  WATCHETH."</div> <div> <I>Brother Robert Roberts</I></div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Brethren, the day is breaking.</div> <div> If it takes a long time to break and is slow in coming,</div> <div> we must remember the day is long that is coming,</div> <div> and that the night has been long from which it is emerging...</div> <div> Soon amid turmoils and complications and gladsome tokens</div> <div>  of this later day will Christ announce his presence...</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is not that which a person knows that is of value;</div> <div> nor is it a question of that which they may give tacit acknowledgement.</div> <div> It is what they truly and faithfully believe.</div> <div> <B>*</B></div> <div> True belief results in a firm conviction,</div> <div> which will be confessed with the mouth -</div> <div> will be taught clearly and without compromise -</div> <div> will be upheld and defended.</div> <div> Brother John Ullman</div> <div> <I>Logos vol. 60</I></div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> We all exert an influence (perhaps unconsciously) on one another.</div> <div> This should make us careful how we conduct ourselves,</div> <div> otherwise we may rue it later.</div> <div> Paul's council to Titus should be ever before us:</div> <div> "Showing thyself a pattern of good works: </div> <div> in doctrine showing uncorruptness,</div> <div> gravity, sincerity, sound speech </div> <div> that cannot be condemned."</div> <div> Logos 1964</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is comforting to know</div> <div> that the lord, at his coming, </div> <div> finds some that are ready - (Matt. 25:10:)</div> <div> some who will not taste death - (1 Cor. 15: 51:)</div> <div> some, who in the midst of a general forgetfulness of the Lord's coming,</div> <div> will be " found watching" - (Luke 12:37)</div> <div> and, therefore,</div> <div> some who will steer safely through all complications,</div> <div> snares, pitfalls, and dangers of the latter days,</div> <div> and remain steadfast to the end </div> <div> in the one faith and practice of the apostles.</div> <div> If "some" are to be found of the Lord at his coming</div> <div> in this blessed case, we may be among them.</div> <div> To be so found will require the exercise of</div> <div>  vigilance and great circumspection:</div> <div> the more so as God has permitted the uprise of clever perverters,</div> <div> capable, almost, of deceiving the very elect.</div> <div> Those who slacken their vigilance are in danger</div> <div> of being taken captive to their destruction.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> Seasons of Comfort</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Appetite is a root of life,</div> <div>  but may become its destroyer if not regulated. </div> <div> Temper is as the steam to propel useful machinery, </div> <div> but may blow up the house if not kept well in boiler and pipes. </div> <div> The tongue is an instrument of the most perfect blessedness man is capable of, </div> <div> but easily becomes a pestilence and a fire if not directed by a heart of wisdom and kindness.</div> <div>       Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.</div> <div> Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! James 3:5</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> God hateth “a proud look, a lying tongue”-“a false witness that speaketh lies,</div> <div> and he that soweth discord among brethren” ( Prov. 6:17-19 ). </div> <div> Let us beware.</div> <div> How gratifying is it to the human mind to speak of faults and failings in others </div> <div> when those “faults and failings” have been in any way directed against itself. </div> <div> How can we speak in criticism of others when we are so weak ourselves? </div> <div> I have heard it said, almost angrily, “I hav'nt patience with so-and-so.” </div> <div> Suppose Christ has patience with so-and-so (and we know he is patient with all of us in our weaknesses), </div> <div> how shall we appear when we stand before him to receive judgment</div> <div> with those with whom we have professed to have no patience.</div> <div> How easy it is to “sow discord” by uttering things that may be only half true;</div> <div> at any rate, that circumstances may extenuate.</div> <div> How many characters have been defamed by whispered suggestions</div> <div> based upon a little truth.</div> <div> It is there, as a rule, where the worst consequences ensue</div> <div> -where there is a little truth in the “lie.” </div> <div> The Christadelphian 1903</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The human race is perishing in a heavy sea.</div> <div>  Adam's sin has wrecked us.</div> <div>  God, in His mercy, has thrown us a rope-the Gospel.</div> <div>  Unless we lay hold of this, we can have no hope, and not only must we lay hold,</div> <div>  but we must hold fast-</div> <div> we must grip firmly and tightly till we are saved.</div> <div>  “Hold fast till I come,” says Christ.</div> <div>  Paul repeatedly said the same thing-“Hold fast the form of sound words”</div> <div>  (2 Tim. 1:13 ).</div> <div>  “Hold fast the traditions which ye have been taught” ( 2 Thes. 2:15 ). </div> <div> “Hold fast the profession of our faith” ( Heb. 10:23 ).</div> <div>  This holding fast means endurance, effort, a determination of purpose.</div> <div> It is a very easy thing to let go.</div> <div>  To apostatize from the truth is one of the easiest processes under the sun. </div> <div> We have only to cease “giving earnest heed,” to give place to our own fleshly reasonings, </div> <div> and the truth will soon drift from us. </div> <div> The truth is very jealous, and will not brook the second place in our minds. </div> <div> The Gospel, or the truth, is the power of God unto salvation,</div> <div>  and to retain this we must be earnest and resolute.</div> <div>  Earnest and resolute men do not forsake the daily reading of the Word, nor the meetings. </div> <div> Laxity in either of these directions means that our hold is loosing.</div> <div> Brother A. T. Jannaway</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Don't wait till it rains before you make your cloak.</div> <div>  The prudent man foreseeth the evil, and is ready. </div> <div> This is not inconsistent with the faith that takes no thought for the morrow.</div> <div>  All God's works and words agree. </div> <div> God has given us the faculty to discern cause and effect</div> <div> and the need for provision in certain matters.</div> <div>  He expects us to work with him in the conduct of our affairs</div> <div>  by using the power he has given.</div> <div>  What we cannot do, He will, if needful.</div> <div>  What he has made us capable of doing, he expects us to do.</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1888</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> This we learn from the parable of the nobleman who gave to his servants so many talents, </div> <div> to each one so many, which they were expected to increase to at least as much again,</div> <div> during the time of his sojourn in the far country. </div> <div> We are not expected to rest contented with having received the talents or talent; </div> <div> we must work away continually to increase and expand into the fulness of stature, according to the standard of measure. </div> <div> Having ceased to do evil, let us learn to do well; </div> <div> having ceased to manifest the works of the flesh, let us bring forth the fruits of the spirit, </div> <div> which are “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, patience, meekness,” &c. </div> <div> “Put on as the elect of God, holy and beloved, <I>bowels of mercies</I> , </div> <div> kindness, humbleness of mind;</div> <div> being tender hearted, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you;” </div> <div> Oh, may we never rest satisfied, until we have so cultivated our hearts as to possess <I>bowels of mercies</I>. </div> <div> A heart filled with tender mercy and loving kindness,</div> <div> is not likely to be severe in judgment upon fellow heirs of the saints' inheritance. </div> <div> The more our hearts are filled with love toward our brethren for the truth's sake, </div> <div> the less inclined we shall be to judge them at all; </div> <div> but if at any time it become necessary to exercise the faculty of judgment </div> <div> in any particular case, </div> <div> we shall be careful to judge righteously, according to the Written Word, </div> <div> and not according to fleshly standards. </div> <div>  The Christadelphian</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> HATRED</div> <div>  is developed by being unjust far more than by being treated with injustice,</div> <div>  and love is developed by serving more than by being served.</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> ENVY </div> <div> can take root and flourish only in a selfish heart, </div> <div> but the righteous rejoice that it is not a fruit of the truth.</div> <div> Brother Welch</div> <div> 1894</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> MALICE </div> <div> and righteousness cannot both reign in the same heart at the same time,</div> <div>  for when malice enters, righteousness at once departs.</div> <div> Brother Welch</div> <div> 1894</div> <div> ~</div> <div> WORDS</div> <div> are mostly wind, but not therefore harmless. </div> <div> Wind often drives the ship on the rocks.</div> <div>  1896</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> If all were uniformity, purity, and peace,</div> <div> there would be a liability to lean too much and to fall into spiritual sloth.</div> <div> Heresies and absurdities and contradictions create the need for personal discrimination,</div> <div> and the exercise of this discrimination develops and strengthens the inner man. </div> <div> Thus strengthened, every true man will face the desert </div> <div> and the blast and pursue his pilgrimage with the steady purpose </div> <div> that will at last land him at the end, </div> <div> with a good conscience and thankfulness for the laying down of the weary load</div> <div> in the presence of Christ at his coming.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <B> </B>There should be no tinkering with the truth.</div> <div> It should stand at the top. </div> <div> Some make a profession of it, but live for secular objects.</div> <div> They seem to consider the truth very good;</div> <div> but that the really important matters relate to property and family,</div> <div> which with them are of supreme and crowning importance. </div> <div> They stand on the platform of secular life, and patronize the truth.</div> <div> God will accept no man's patronage. </div> <div> Christ will not accord to any man a position in the future, </div> <div> who does not surrender to him the present</div> <div> All the Most High requires of men is just to believe what He has done,</div> <div> what He teaches, and what He promises;</div> <div> to obey the law of faith;</div> <div> to take care of the poor of His flock; </div> <div> and to keep themselves unspotted from the world.</div> <div> This is pure and undefiled religion ( Tit. 2:11-14 ; James 1:27 ).</div> <div> But, alas! where is it to be found?</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> At the eleventh hour of our own dispensation, the master is hiring servants. The existence of the word in our midst, is evidence of this. What infatuation to disregard or treat coolly the call. We may be of the number of that glorious company that will spring into being at “the manifestation of the sons of God;” but we must be like them. We must be men of faith, men of service-men of benevolent hearts; for those that are not of loving hearts are not of God; and men and women of good consciences, who would not do wrong to save their lives. Persevering in this line of character during our brief struggle with evil, realize the joy of being made one of a multitude of that description, whom no man can number, and whose former ills and frailties are all swallowed up in the glorious and deathless nature of the spirit in which there is no more sorrow or sighing. Look at that multitude, filled with everlasting joy; think that the Lamb dwells in the midst of them and shall feed them-the central sun that lighteneth every man of them that entereth that bright world. Behold them come to Zion and plant themselves in the seat of honor and power. Consider that they constitute the ruling brotherhood of the world, in whose righteous hands all the property and the power and the law, and the honor and glory of the world will be vested, for the promotion of glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill to men!</div> <div> Is a place in that illustrious body not worth any trial? What infatuated creatures those men and women must be, who, having put their hands to the plough, look back, and allow their hearts to be taken and their hands weakened by the ephemeral interests of this life, which, at its best, supposing we could do all that we wished, are “vanity,” ending ultimately in the grave. How perfectly suicidal for those who have such a glorious destiny before them, to slacken their hands and become lukewarm in relation to the duties they owe to their Lord and Master. Let us beware. The bright side is pleasant to contemplate, but we must accept its dark side in present duty and reproach. We must carry the cross if we mean to wear the crown.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div>  The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1870</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> (Regarding Saul)   " ...He did not act from a recognition of the sacred and terribly binding obligation of the divine commandment </div> <div> He acted exactly as Adam and Eve did: </div> <div> disobeyed from good motives as such are reckoned by the merely natural man. </div> <div> In this is to be found the answer which those need who say they cannot see in what way Saul was so bad a man. </div> <div> He was not a bad man according to the human standards of action.</div> <div> He was a bad man according to the divine standard, which is the eternal standard. </div> <div> He did not recognize the divine will as the rule of action,</div> <div> but acted from human impression of what was nice, and convenient and useful, </div> <div> which is all very well where the divine will has neither prescribed nor prohibited,</div> <div> but which is the reverse where God has commanded. </div> <div> On this same principle, we may easily discern how it is that many men are “good” men according to human estimate,</div> <div> but not good according to the divine estimate.</div> <div> The first ingredient of goodness towards God, without which, goodness has not begun, is obedience, </div> <div> springing from knowledge which generates love and fear. </div> <div> It was in this sense that Saul , though a tall man, “a goodly man to look to,”</div> <div> and an amiable good-natured sort of man that would be popular with the world,</div> <div> was by no means a man after God's own heart, as his successor was. </div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> A brother going home enters a train.</div> <div> Presently somebody thrusts in two little children aged about five and two years respectively, with directions to the conductor to see them safely to their destination. </div> <div> The elder, finding herself without friends, and on an unknown journey, begins to cry.</div> <div> “Why,” says a passenger, “the big one cries, and the little one does not.”</div> <div> “Ah,” says another, “she realizes the position, but the other does not.” </div> <div> Just so, friend, and that illustrates higher things.</div> <div> Elisha wept when he looked Hazael in the face, because he realized the position, </div> <div> and saw beforehand what desolations he would bring upon Israel. </div> <div> Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, because he realized the position, </div> <div> and saw beforehand what dreadful calamities would overtake her, because she knew not the day of her visitation. </div> <div> John wept much when no one was found worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll, because he realized the position,</div> <div> and was grieved that such precious knowledge concerning the things of the kingdom should be so hopelessly inaccessible.</div> <div> It is so to this day. </div> <div> Things that are heart breaking to a mind in sympathy with the Scriptures</div> <div>  are taken by the multitude like the younger child took its unknown journey, with stolid indifference, because they don't realize the position.</div> <div> Brother C. C. Walker</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The Bible in the house is God in the house. </div> <div> The Bible in a man's life is God in a man's life. </div> <div> Where people place the Bible, they place God. </div> <div> The place it demands is the heart-the throne. </div> <div> With nothing less will God be satisfied. </div> <div> Do you neglect it? you neglect God.</div> <div> Do you allow the affairs of house, or business, </div> <div> or friends to ride over it, </div> <div> to displace it from the first position, to put it in the corner, to keep it hidden, neglected, disregarded? </div> <div> Then is God cast behind your back, and great is your danger. </div> <div> A voice of thunder would not be too loud to rouse you from your folly. </div> <div> You say you have no time to read. </div> <div> The plea is absolutely inadmissible. </div> <div> You take time to eat and drink, and this is the most important kind of eating and drinking. </div> <div> You will have to take time to be ill some of these days. </div> <div> Death will rap at the door, </div> <div> and he won't ask you if you have time to attend to him...</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1874</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> We always speak like the company we keep. </div> <div> If we are all the while among the foul-mouthed gabblers of the flesh, we cannot expect to be free of their Sodomite brogue. </div> <div> If we read nothing but the literature of Atheistical refinement, </div> <div> we shall never rise above that thin, proper, </div> <div> superficial, cold style of talk,</div> <div> in which a practically godless state of mind expresses itself. </div> <div> Give us the atmosphere of the Spirit and the company of the Spirit's watchmen in the Word,</div> <div> and we are in altogether a balmier land.</div> <div> “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, </div> <div> nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night.”</div> <div>  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >Brother Robert Roberts</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> Let us take heed, and show ourselves men of God, whose seed “remaineth in them;” who cannot be moved away from the path of duty or the hope of the gospel by the wildest storms that may come; who stand stoutly, in their particular day and relations, in the position described by Habakkuk: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines: the labor of the olive shall fail and the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls, yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”-(3:17) The standing aim of this class is to be approved of God, however much they may incur the opprobrium of men. Men work one way; the children of God another. God's opinion of the ways of men is clearly and abundantly recorded. This record they “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.” They eschew the selfishness rebuked by Haggai, who was commanded by the Spirit to say to the men of Israel, “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and My house lie waste? . . . My house is waste, and ye run every man into his own house.”-(1:4, 9.) There is no stone-and-mortar house of God to attend to; but there is another house-the house of God, the pillar and ground of the truth, whose condition is that of wasteness, and to which we are called to attend in priority to our own affairs. If we are of God, we feel not at liberty to do as the men of Israel did, and as the world around does, to look after our own affairs, and see ourselves comfortably established without regard to the desolate state of the house of God. While God is a pilgrim in the earth, His sons are not content to be dwellers in the tents of sin. While Jerusalem and her children are in affliction, they aim not to seek their ease. They have a heart to feel for the down-trodden house of Christ, and on its upbuilding their best exertions are bestowed. They give not to the Lord the refuse and superfluity.</div> <div>  Brother  Robert Roberts </div> <div> 1874</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> Remember that to everything around you there is end,</div> <div>  and to yourself as well.</div> <div> But remember also that there are things without end with which God asks men to associate themselves. </div> <div> The joint memory will greatly help you to be wise.</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Dr. Thomas had a great aversion to the habit in some sects</div> <div> of preaching at particular persons in the course of a general exhortation; </div> <div> still more to the retailing of actual personal reports, ecclesial or individual.</div> <div> Dr. Thomas's aversion will be shared by every enlightened mind. </div> <div> Exhortation should be in the spirit of love and dignity, </div> <div> both which will keep a man above the personal level,</div> <div> and inspire him to magnify great general truth, </div> <div> and to hide rather than publish the details of personal life, </div> <div> which on all hands are imperfect and unedifying.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1886</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> Men may repudiate and loathe the choosing of the thief and the betrayal of Christ,</div> <div> and yet themselves make the wrong choice when temptation comes. </div> <div> God is merciful and wills not the death of sinners,</div> <div> but the last opportunity for choice comes, and after that there is no more hope.</div> <div> So it was with these men. </div> <div> Soon the fulfillment of Christ's parable came,</div> <div> and “the king sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and burnt up their city.”</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1925</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> Where is the battle and when?</div> <div> Can there be any doubt about this? Let us open our eyes and see.</div> <div> The battle is now - in the commonplace life of our probation.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There is no more fatal thing than the fermentation of roots of bitterness, and Paul puts brethren on their guard. </div> <div> But such spring up, and many are hurt by them.</div> <div> Peter says “Put these things away, and let your mind, as a new-born babe, desire the milk of the word.” </div> <div> We shall have a strong relish for spiritual things indeed, if this is the case. </div> <div> A newborn babe has an unquenchable affinity for its mother's breast; nothing short of what it gets from its mother will make it grow. </div> <div> Peter says this is how we ought to be in relation to the Word.</div> <div> If this is our state, we cannot be permanently hurt.</div> <div> The mind will soon get back to its tranquility and purity. </div> <div> A man who is under the control of the Word gets quickly over little disturbances; they are quite transient and accidental, </div> <div> and soon go off; but if the mind is not under the control of the Word, it is the other way. </div> <div> The serenity is accidental; the malignity and unhappiness of the fleshly mind is chronic. </div> <div> True liberty and happiness that will not grow old are only to be found in connection with the things that are of God.</div> <div> They are a well-spring of everlasting life, from which we are invited now to drink deeply.</div> <div> <I>“Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one with another. </I></div> <div> <I>Love as brethren: be pitiful: be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing,</I></div> <div> <I>but contrariwise blessing.”</I></div> <bR> <div> The sons of God answer to this character. </div> <div> Unity, compassion, love prevail among them-even now.</div> <div> Where contrary conditions exist, it is because of the presence of a foreign element. </div> <div> There will be no foreign element in the perfected body of Christ. </div> <div> The mustered family will be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. </div> <div> A powerful mutual affection, on the basis of mutual and unblemished excellence,</div> <div> and nurtured by the unfailing strength of the spiritual and immortal nature, </div> <div> will provide a chief and glorious feature in the feast of good things to come </div> <div> that waits the accepted brethren of the Lord Jesus.</div> <div> Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1880</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> PROVERBS <I> 2:2</I></div> <div> Incline thine ear to wisdom: apply thine heart to understanding.</div> <div> This means making an effort. An effort is necessary.</div> <div> There are things that require no effort, such as breathing, seeing with the eyes, getting hungry, &c.</div> <div> Such things are but the foundation on which higher things are built.</div> <div> The things that come by effort are more precious and more enjoyable than those that come of themselves.</div> <div> Wisdom and understanding do not come of themselves.</div> <div> Because of this, and the trouble necessary to get at them, the bulk of mankind,</div> <div> as things are now upon earth, never attain them.</div> <div> The schoolboy prefers play to lessons; and would never learn if he were left to himself.</div> <div> Grown schoolboys are mostly the same: hence men,</div> <div> almost universally, die without understanding.</div> <div> That which is agreeable is their rule: not that which is wise.</div> <div> God calls upon us to act differently;</div> <div> to “incline” and “apply” our minds to the highest wisdom</div> <div> -the knowledge of Himself, and His ways,</div> <div> and His purpose as revealed. Obedience will prove sweet in the end,</div> <div> and none the less because it has to be yielded at the cost of self-denial meanwhile.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1884</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> Wrong Choices</div> <div> The descent into Sodom is so frequently based upon a series of wrong choices,</div> <div> themselves the result of less than total faith in God,</div> <div> and representing a progressively weakening resistance to the attractions of the world in which we live. And before we too readily condemn Lot in professed amazement at his lingering so long in such a city, when the way out would seem to have been no more difficult than the way in; and before we direct similar criticism towards our brethren and sisters as though we ourselves were already perfect,</div> <div> we would do well to consider ourselves in relation to Lot </div> <div> and also consider to what extent we use this world without “using it to the full” </div> <div> or exploiting <I>all</I> its possibilities (1 Cor. 7 : 31, R.V. mg.).</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> When a person is full of unfriendly gossip-</div> <div> under the dominion of cantankerous feelings, which burn in his own bosom,</div> <div>  and spread wherever he goes, how can the Word have a place in his heart?</div> <div>  It is impossible.</div> <div>  There is no more fatal thing than the fermentation of roots of bitterness,</div> <div>  and Paul puts brethren on their guard.  But such spring up, and many are hurt by them. </div> <div> Peter says “Put these things away, and let your mind, as a new-born babe, desire the milk of the word.”</div> <div>  We shall have a strong relish for spiritual things indeed, if this is the case.</div> <div>  A newborn babe has an unquenchable affinity for its mother's breast;</div> <div>  nothing short of what it gets from its mother will make it grow. </div> <div> Peter says this is how we ought to be in relation to the Word. If this is our state, we cannot be permanently hurt.</div> <div>  The mind will soon get back to its tranquility and purity.</div> <div>  A man who is under the control of the Word gets quickly over little disturbances;</div> <div>  they are quite transient and accidental, and soon go off; but if the mind is not under the control of the Word, it is the other way. </div> <div> The serenity is accidental; the malignity and unhappiness of the fleshly mind is chronic. </div> <div> True liberty and happiness that will not grow old are only to be found in connection with the things that are of God. </div> <div> They are a well-spring of everlasting life, from which we are invited now to drink deeply.</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> The world may boast of manliness and heroism:</div> <div> but there is no manliness that comes near the beauty of Christliness,</div> <div>  which is brave without boasting,</div> <div>  frank without pride, cheerful without folly, </div> <div> patient without insensibility, submissive without fear,</div> <div>  indomitable without stupidity, gentle without effeminacy,</div> <div>  kind without weakness. </div> <div> The fear of God, and the love of man,</div> <div>  in the confidence of what God has accomplished in the past,</div> <div>  and promised for the future, </div> <div> combine to give a combination of strength and beauty</div> <div>  that far outshine the cold glitter of the Greek elegance </div> <div> so much admired by the natural man. </div> <div> The Greek glitter is the glint of an iceberg, </div> <div> destined to thaw and disappear before the sun,</div> <div>  whose waxing warmth will shortly fill the world with light and heat. </div> <div> With that sun comes the day: </div> <div> and we are not of the night but of the day. </div> <div> Let us walk as the children of the day.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1886</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> Men are destroyed effectually by their own tongues.</div> <div> If a man is able to keep his tongue in good order</div> <div> he will easily govern all the rest.</div> <div> The tongue can be a fountain of blessing</div> <div> or a plague of destruction,</div> <div> according as it is used in submission to God -</div> <div> or at the sport of uncircumcised passion.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1888</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> The Men Who Conquer</div> <div> There is a strange tendency in the human mind to depreciatory criticism. Most of us would rather pull down than build up, censure than praise, and the men who conquer the world's good opinion are stern, stalwart, fierce, long-enduring, determined men, who heed neither blame nor praise, but resolve to do that which they conceive to be right; to pursue that which they conceive to be the truth, through good and evil report, neither swerving to the right hand nor the left; making straight to the goal they have set before them, and in the end gaining the unanimous though tardy recognition of those who have been most studious in traducing them. If a man wishes to leave the world better than he found it, he must pay little or no heed to whatever the world says. He must brush on one side all the puling and sickly censoriousness, which every man who pretends to think for himself, must be prepared to encounter. He must be willing to suffer persecution, calumny, opprobrium: all that mean minds can invent, and mean tongues utter. He must not be alarmed if he finds friends fall away from his side, or enemies become unnaturally violent. He must suffer with unflinching stoicism, all that vicious malignity can suggest. He must see untrue motives and aspirations imputed to him. But on the other hand, should he be successful, he must make up his mind to receive the fulsome and smothering caresses of those who at one time systematically maligned him; and to be daubed with the praise of those who would more willingly damn him. However, this is human nature, and we need not be astonished at it. In modern times instances have not been wanting of nations that crucified their benefactors and yelled to have Barabbas released unto them.</div> <div> -<I> Newspaper Clipping found among Dr. Thomas's Papers</I> .</div> <div> The Christadelphian 1872</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>“The heart is deceitful above all things.”</I></div> <div> <I> “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife.” </I></div> <div> A truly wise and great man will hide self behind the truth</div> <div>  and exalt the truth to the glory of God before men. </div> <div> A weak and little man will push self to the front </div> <div> and seek to make mankind think that the truth shines at its best through him. </div> <div> But, in the end, it is God who searches the heart of man.</div> <div> Brother Welch</div> <div> 1894</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B> </div> <bR> <div> “My son . . . receive my words and hide my commandments to thee” (Proverbs 2:1 ).</div> <div> Nothing more unpalatable in the way of advice could be uttered in Gentile circles-</div> <div> and there are scarcely any other than Gentile circles. </div> <div> But here and there, there is a responsive ear, in which the words are uttered not in vain. </div> <div> “My words”-the words of God-are received and embraced, and stored deep down in the inner man: </div> <div> and here they must remain to be effectual for their work.</div> <div> And here they cannot remain without steady renewal in the daily reading of the Scriptures. </div> <div> The human mind is very leaky, especially to divine ideas.</div> <div> A constant supply is the cure. Nothing else will finally satisfy the taste which they generate. </div> <div> Nothing else will so secrete the commandments of God in the heart as that.</div> <div> They will be an ever-living and available power of action. </div> <div> But for this, a man must stoutly fight, </div> <div> else this wise policy will be taken out of his hands</div> <div> through the chronic oppositions and revolts of the Gentile mind, within and without. </div> <div> Having taken the right cue from the Spirit's voice, </div> <div> let him close his ears to the devil's din that would call him in other directions,</div> <div> and go straight onward to the heavenly city.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1884</div> <bR> <div> <B>~</B><I> </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>“I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,</I></div> <div> <I> in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake.” </I></div> <div> A spiritual view of our affairs will lead us to entertain a similar sentiment</div> <div>  with regard to those things we may be called on to endure</div> <div>  through our identification with and our service of the one faith.</div> <div>  They are far from agreeable: if they were agreeable,</div> <div>  they would not answer their purpose, which is, that by the mental exercise induced, </div> <div> we may become partakers of the Father's holiness.</div> <div>  Pleasure would not exercise us in this direction, but contrariwise.</div> <div> There is another pleasant side to “the sufferings of this present time;” </div> <div> they prepare a sweet future in a special sense.</div> <div>  The joy of our deliverance will be in the ratio of our present sense of trouble.</div> <div>  And this deliverance is not far off. “Though it tarry, wait for it.”</div> <div>  This is the Spirit's counsel. Suddenly, in the midst of our commonplace life,</div> <div>  our ears will be made to tingle with the announcement that our waiting is past</div> <div> -that our warfare is accomplished -that the Lord is in the earth.</div> <div>  For this, we are being prepared by evil and delay.</div> <div> Meanwhile, it is ours to be steadfast. The Lord has not yet come; </div> <div> and we are to continue at this “<I> till</I> he come,” unmoved by the instabilities everywhere </div> <div> manifesting themselves around us.</div> <div> Robert Roberts </div> <div> 1874</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>