Зображення сторінки
PDF
ePub

fare. Sectarian feelings, neglecting of home duties for religious enjoyments in church or chapel, penances and similar austeritiesmay be classed under " being righteous over much." We were rejoiced to learn that you had followed our advice in publicly consecrating yourself to the Redeemer's service, even with much opposition on the part of those who should have encouraged your dedication. You add," The peace and joy that spring from the consciousness of hav ing obeyed God is a sufficient compensation for all the suffering I endured." How have you gone on since? Will you send us a letter?

A weak Disciple. Your letter scarcely needs a reply, as you seem quite convinced of the evil of card-playing. But, probably, you want to be able to argue with others on the subject. Reasons against all games of chance are abundant. The anti-scriptural recognition of chance, the undignified frivolity of the game, the loss of temper, which invariably attends a card party where money is staked; the temptation to unfairness, the impossibility of glorifying God by taking part in a rubber-these are sufficient objections for those who desire whatsoever they do to do all to the glory of God. We print your letter, and beg you to ask the "Sabbath School Teachers," whether they regard their Sunday teaching in the same light as their card-playing-as a mere pastime.

"Sir, It was last Christmas, being invited to a party among whom were a number of professing Christians and Sabbath-school Teachers and others, after tea cards were introduced, which all played at except myself. Now, do you think there was anything wrong on my part for not joining with them? I said it was not right for the followers of Christ to do it, for it was not in accordance with the Gospel of Christ, for how could the Apostle's general rule for our conduct be carried out there? and again, Abstain from all appearance of evil.' And they have the appearance of evil to me. But they said there was no harm in the game they played, if cheating was not connected with it, there could not be any harm in just turning up a card. I do not write this in order to make myself appear better than them, for alas! I have a heart within me deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; nor to expose the faults of others. For I have my most besetting sins, faults and failings, as well as others; but with a desire to know and to do the will of God; and having seen the answers you have given to others I doubt not but what you will favour me with your kind advice. I find the road to heaven is a chequered one, and often when almost despairing, and wondering whether I was right, for surely I think sometimes I cannot be; love faint, faith cold and almost dead, so little love for God's word and his children. In such seasons as these have I found in your valuable Magazine something to cheer and animate my drooping spirit, and I hope I am not the only one that has found benefit from its pages. May the Lord direct you by his blessed and Holy Spirit, and grant that while watering others, your soul may be watered with the dews of his heavenly grace, for Jesus's sake! Amen.

[ocr errors]

66 Yours, &c.

A weak Disciple."

[graphic][subsumed][merged small]
[graphic][subsumed][merged small]
« НазадПродовжити »