to any startle at this plain
assertion by thomas reed christian experience In the early Christian
church, religion did not consist in talking finely, but in living
well. We, alas, are not now what these
primitive Christians were, burning and shining lights. The lamentation
of the prophet is sadly too descriptive of our state. Our silver has
become dross, and our wine is mixed with water. The world has
tainted the church by its unhallowed admixture. Where is the simplicity,
the self-denial, the zeal, the entire devotedness of these first
Christians to be found? Certainly not among the great
mass of religious professors. Long-continued prosperity has
induced a spirit of slumber. Without any breach of that charity
which hopes all things, we are compelled to declare this painful
truth that thousands who are moral and regular in all the
outward duties and decencies of religion are still as far
distant from the spirit and practice, the principles and feelings of
the true believer as the East is from the West. Do any startle
at this plain assertion? Where, we would ask, is their
deep contrition, their sincere repentance, their hatred of sin,
their application to the Saviour, their love to His name, their
delight in His service, their attachment to Him, their self-denying
obedience, their renunciation of the world, their patience
under suffering for the gospel's sake. Where, in short, is the
new creature in Christ Jesus to be seen in them? It has no
existence. They have a name to live, being
called Christians and professing to believe in Jesus, but they
are dead. The general truths of the gospel
may dwell in their understandings, but they have no abiding place
in their hearts. The apostle has well described
the character of these nominal Christians. They profess that
they know God, but in works deny Him. They have the form of godliness,
but deny the power thereof. These are the people who, frequenting
the house of God, sneer at conscientious piety. Yet they have full confidence
in the mercy of God and deem it most uncharitable even to
breathe a hint that they are in danger of eternal perdition.