CHRIST THE CENTER.
I
INthe kingdom of God the Lord is the center. He said, “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men to me.” “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The great apostle to the Gentiles, after giving a brief summary of side considerations, and many of them weighty, in his situation, says ofthem all, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse that I may win Christ.” Phil. iii. 8. Again, said this man of God, “I determined to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.” He would not be drawn aside from the center of attraction in the kingdom of God. In the close of his elaborate letter to the Corinthians, among whom many distracting annoyances were operating, and in reference to those who disturbed the peace and love of the church, he declares that “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, he will be accursed when the Lord comes.” I. Cor. xvi. 22. “Whoever hateth his brother, is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” John iii. 15. Again, says the holy apostle, “These be they who separate themselves sensual, having not the spirit.” James xix. The Lord says, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”
From him who thus teaches, we are not to be drawn aside, whether we precisely agree upon every side question, or the manner of procedure in reference to it or not. By him we must stand forever more. To him we must pay supreme homage. This can only be done by standing firmly upon his precise teachings, as far as poor, imperfect creatures possibly can, and putting our everlasting trust in him. The cause is now progressing, its prospects brightening, and its way opening beautifully in almost all directions. The good, the reliable, the faithful and working men, are gathering up afresh, combining and accumulating strength, which will be expended upon the armies of the enemy around,with tremendous effect. Let every man who can lift a Bible speak a word, or give an expression of countenance, for the Lord, and for his work, do it; do it with earnestness, spirit and power; do it with strong faith and determination, and it will tell upon the world for good, in ages to come. Let us make an effort, united, energetic and mighty, in the Lord’s name, for his cause; and let the effort continue while the Lord shall give us life, and exhort the brethren to push it onward with our dying breath. To his name, be honor and power, everlasting.