By the Want of Consideration
Note: The following transcription is incomplete. Many sections were missing or damaged. The actual title of this discourse is unknown.
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2. By the want of consideration
Doubtless, the passage, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” is often heard or read. Yet, where is the man, who resolves in his mind the phrase, “As thyself,” ponders upon it, prays over it, till the heart becomes pervaded with the spirit of the expression and prompted to put forth the proper effort? Where is the book, thrown forth among the multitude coming from a laboring press, which makes this point its principle theme, … its full meaning, displays it in its varied bearings, and ex- ... readers to aim at the full measure of their duty? Where is the … the faithful preachers of the times, who gives the words, “As … prominent position, expounds its full import, discovers dis- ... its high authority, makes it ring upon the ears and … -tors? ... thought; assigning it its proper … and so to feel its power as to
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affect the practice makes prayer and aid from on high needful. Reflection is called for by the terms employed in the command. The individual must regard himself; he must look also at his neighbor; and he must also bring the two together before his mind. Difficulty may exist in always deciding aright. This fact, however, only urges the propriety of careful thought. Not to think upon the subject is conclusive proof of failure; and only when due consideration is given can it be hoped, that believers will begin to realize the importance of the duty, and be prompted to aim at what is for the benefit of their fellow creatures as well as the glory of God …
3. By doubting the possibility of obedience.
As a certain kind of fear relaxes energy; so doubt, akin to … a similar effect. And the difficulties are magnified. The duty … guarded has its peculiarities; and these are increased in no … obscure points made more imperceptible … thrown into unseemly con- …
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While this state of mind exists, but little approach is made toward the desirable result. Perhaps the doubter resolutely concludes, that for himself the subject is involved in such intricacy as to excuse him, should he not attempt to fulfill the requirement; or, if not taking as hazardous a step, determines amid his existing difficulties that he will postpone until some more favorable period his efforts to meet what he acknowledges is binding, and if obeyed would be … beneficial. He may thus lapse into either a theoretic or practi- ... -idelity in the matter. And, in either case, the springs of his … are broken; his mind is kept in the dark; and his heart, ... fails to urge him forward, and misses the enjoyment … The precept has been obeyed.
… the duty is stated, are exceedingly pain. We … reads may run, if he will choose … -tement of what is required
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cannot be the cause of doubting; but it consists in the conviction in some cases, that man in his present imperfect condition cannot attain to the high point of loving his neighbor as himself.
If this be the true solution of the hesitancy, the difficulty must be met as in every other instance of enjoined duty. What Christian grace can be acquired if unaided human strength aims to excuse it? Who, having much knowledge of himself, and having tried the experiment, but will admit, that he is naturally too weak to … and retain other gracious qualities? And shall he doubt … they can be obtained? Never; so long as the promises of God … recorded. Divine power can make the weak mighty; ... the victory to those feeble in themselves, who no longe- … upon what is called native strength, ... and believing his promises, aim … which …
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4. By the benumbing influences of the world.
The breath of the world is warm or chill as it enlivens those under its power or tends to make torpid those striving to escape from its grasp. Its wand has a positive and negative pole: the one is to quicken its subjects; the other, to hinder those renouncing its sway. The world is always antagonistic to the life of piety. Inspiration dis- ... declares, that such service as God requires cannot be ren- ... and at the same time what may be called the service of … continued.
… remaining here, the believer feels more or less the influence … -arrasses him in prosecuting the life of holiness. His per-... is imperfect; his feelings are apt to be sluggish; his … forward become unnerved. Let the grace be which … derived; the world will throw around him such … will make strenuous exertion absolutely necessary, if
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he would achieve success. An incubus broods around his powers; a paralysis creeps in upon his heart; a benumbing influence gathers round the whole spiritual man. And the more he yields, the less likely he is to be victorious.
The world and the word of God are the two instruments employed for man's slavery or deliverance. Satan uses the one; and God, the other. Whoever seeks to perform Christian duty will find the world, in some of its forms, waylaying him; entrapping, seducing; blinding, dis- ... -ging, threatening, hanging upon him; using any and every … means, which may thwart him in accomplishing his object … then, should he resort but to the other weapon, with which … -nished by his heavenly Friend? Like the Son of God, he sho- ... every assault and benumbing plot with the polished, ... truth - The very words of inspiration - the counsels and … promises of Jehovah, the Lord of Hosts.
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5. By living too far from the cross of Christ
Looking to Christ, by faith, decides man's condition. His peace is made with God, his sins are pardoned, his business while remaining in this life is to aim to do good, and his object is to secure a fitness for his future residence in the heavens. Such work is upon his hands. The attainment of the perfect man in Christ Jesus “is the goal placed, be- ... him, to which he is to direct his heart and bend his energies, that … be successful. And one of the features of “the perfect man” ... -g his neighbor as himself. If all other traits are acquired, ... be wanting, the attainment is not made. On this point, he is … and cannot see afar off;” a haft exists in his spiritual … is discovered in his piety; his members have not ob- ... vigor; one avenue of his heart has not re- ... other impulses and joys.
… -ristian life, so he must continue, if he would
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reach the prescribed stature. No spot but one is the place of strength for any pardoned prisoner. As he found forgiveness at the cross of Christ; so he must there go, that he may obtain the aid needed for … -ercoming “the old man” and acquiring in their completeness the features of “the new man.” The Holy Spirit, by whose power alone feeble man can secure success, emanates through the cross of Christ. The crucified One pledged this friend to his followers. He glorifies the Messiah, and he sanctifies believers. Jesus must have the g- ... of man's redemption and perfection, and the Holy Spirit … his influences the more abundantly as the needy believer lives … to his Savior. Away from the source of strength, he pines; at a … like Peter, he may be left to some extent by himself; and if … brings a blot upon his discipleship. Near the cross is the … position; there, he feels the throbbing of his … love is enkindled, and there he is prompt- ...
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6. By neglecting to secure the abounding influences of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the executive agent in the Godhead. He garnished the heavens, and moved upon the face of earth's waters before the land appeared. He inspired prophets and apostles. He renews the human heart, guides into the way of truth, gives consolation to the broken-hearted, and sanctifies the imperfect soul.
The measure of his operations is various as well as the diversity of his acts. Society has much to be thankful for unto the Holy Spirit, though his agency is too much overlooked, when he restrains the wild … of men within certain bounds, and keeps many a youth from complete wreck of character - a torment to his own family, and a pest in the community. At one time, he imparts but little light to the mind; at another, he illuminates with effulgent rays. Now, his grace just keeps from despair; and now, he fills the soul with delight and exultation. Upon the first disciples, on a certain oc-
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-casion, the Holy Ghost was breathed; on another, the day of the Pentecost, while they waited in prayer and supplication for the promise of the Father, they enjoyed a baptism of the Holy Ghost. At times, he descends upon a people like the gentle dew, and his special presence is only known by here and there one turning from the error of his ways, and enlisting under the banner of Immanuel; at others, he comes in so striking a manner, that the whole community is startled from its stupor, interest depicted on almost every countenance, anxious ones prompted to inquire what they shall do to be saved, and many enabled to rejoice in the hope of … forgiven and peace made with God.
It is, then, no useless distinction to speak of securing the abounding influences of the Holy Spirit. More is needed by every one than just enough to keep him from being borne away by the current of earthly things. A positive spiritual character is to be acquired.
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Graces, which the evil of nature will not produce, must take deep root in the heart of the believer before he will be fitted for his heavenly home. And if he has not yet begun the practice, after he has so often heard and read the injunction, it is evident, that he needs the abounding influences of the divine Agent, so that he may be enabled to comply when it is said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
These abounding influences; or, in other words, such aid as the believer needs is promised. Man must be restrained, or he waxes course and wo- … he must be regenerated, or he remains dead in sin; he must advance in sanctification, or the germ of the new life lacks proper development. The Holy Ghost restrains, renews, sanctifies. And whoever admits, that he has often been kept back from evil; believes, that he has been born again; should also be earnestly solicitous to grow in all the possible traits of the new life. For this, he was made a new creature; and for this, abundant provision has been made. The truth has been given by reve-
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-lation; the example of his divine Master is recorded; and the aid of the Holy Spirit is specifically and repeatedly promised.
How shall these promises be treated? They are not fair to the eye and ear, but delusive in the reality. Are they not God's words? Were they not made in view of the believer's necessities? Is anything too hard for the Lord? Cannot he, who waked the dead soul to life, turned it from the love of sin to the love of holiness; cannot he, who did these things, enable the living man to love his neighbor as himself? God gives the command, and promises the aid. The prize is in sight. Only one condition remains; and this is, “Ask and ye shall receive.” as prayer ascen- ... -s, the needed guidance descends. Whoever would love as directed, let him pray; Pray in the name of Christ; pray for the Holy Spirit; pray with the disposition to use all the aid bestowed; and he will doubtless find, that he not only does love his neighbor, but that he can and does love him as himself.
