CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE:
By John T. Johnson
Whatever has a tendency to promote the happiness of Christians, should be their daily study and constant pursuit. As this is a matter of the very first importance, we should endeavor to ascertain those sources, or principles, or institutions, from which alone happiness can be derived. It may be assumed as undeniably true, that true happiness is unattainable, but by a knowledge of the will of God and obedience to it. It may be as confidently asserted that all happiness or blessings are communicated to us through means or institutions. Knowledge and obedience are inseparably linked together, by the kind and gracious Author of our being. Without knowledge or faith, we know, it is impossible to please God. Without a knowledge of his character and will, we should be totally ignorant, in regard to what is required of us: and without obedience man could not be happy, formed and organized as he is. We discover the wisdom and benevolence of God in adapting his laws and institutions to the human family in their perishing circumstances, requiring not only faith, but obedience: and in this we have developed to us a principle in the organization of man, which should never be lost sight of. Men must be engaged about something. We would do well then to keep those under our care, engaged in laudable and virtuous pursuits. All experience attests, that happiness cannot be found, in the pursuit or acquisition of any thing earthly, or that has for its object an earthly gratification.’ All Christian experience attests, that a well-grounded hope, of the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away, presented in the Gospel, can and does impart a happiness beyond which human nature is not susceptible.
Considering that these things are so. Oh! how vastly below the mark, do Christians fall. They have failed and neglected to avail themselves of their high privileges and enjoyments. I fear, the behaviour of professors, falls far short of their knowledge of their Father’s will. So long as this is the case, religion will present a sickly and languishing appearance. This is an age of inquiry, and of revolution. The true principles of reformation, are in successful development. The cause is succeeding beyond our most sanguine anticipations. The world is awaking from its slumbers. The watchmen are on the towers, sounding the heavenly notes of peace and good will to men. These are the notes of destruction to sectarianism, and therefore they have buckled on their armour for the battle.—They have leagued their forces against us, and it becomes every soldier of Jesus to discharge his duty faithfully. The captain of our salvation stands at the head of his troops and promises a victory, which, though it may cost them their lives, will achieve a crown of never fading glory. Who will apostatize? Who will prove recreant in such a glorious cause? None, we hope.
We are well aware of the need there is for laborers in the Lord’s vineyard: instead however, of being discouraged and repining, let each soldier discharge double, yea. treble duties, and the cause will advance with a rapidity hitherto unexampled.
We need not look for the assistance of the Sects. They will no more assist in the reformation, than did the sects in the days of Apostles. There are many and eminent exceptions now, as then. But, as sects, they will contend to the last, if the obstinacy, the destruction, and dispersion of the Jews is at all a type of the existing state of things. Let every Christian have his heart devoted to personal reformation, equal to his knowledge of Christian duty:—Let the practice of the Christian virtues be ever predominant and exhibit a lustre to the world, which will win souls to Christ:—Let each one do all the good they can to their neighbors, their families and friends—and if they are not eloquent in words, they can be eloquent and powerful in deeds. Thus, the weakest disciples can effect wonders. We are all properly harnessed, disciplined and working together, we should witness a tenfold greater accession to the cause. Christians, are you not willing to sacrifice something of your ease for the success of the cause of Christ? Have you the salvation of men and women at heart, and will you not consent to march forth to the help of the saints? When Zion travails, she brings forth children—and vice versa—When a teacher visits a congregation, he can soon tell whether they are cold and heartless or warm, alive, animated, and in the discharge of duty. Their very countenances will indicate life or death. If they be healthy in faith, their health beams in their countenances—animation sparkles in the eye—courage and animation bursts forth in songs of praise. Humility breathes in prayer—and if every thing is right, sinners will confess the Lord Jesus. On! that we may all grow in favor, increase in knowledge and abound in every good word and work.