THE CHRISTIAN'S WALK

As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord. So walk you in him. Colossians 2.6.

Within the past two years, the walk of the children of God in this sin-accursed world, and the many places in the scriptures where exhortations, precepts, and injunctions are addressed to them by inspired men. Have been at times impressed with great weight upon my mind. For they who are experimentally taught feel at periods that this world is not their home. But that they are pilgrims traveling through an enemy's country to their heavenly home. There are seasons in the experience of God's children when their hope is strong, their faith in lively exercise, and their love for the truth fervent. And at such times when thus favored having a glimpse of the Exalted Lamb upon his mediatorial throne. Whose transcendent glory fills heaven and earth. They look very coolly upon man's authority, wisdom, and greatness, and value nothing so much as they do the truth as it is in Jesus. But alas! There are other times when the flesh seems to be dominant and Satan leads them far astray, which could not be the case if their carnal depraved nature had been removed and nothing left in them but spiritual love, and if nothing but love to God. And for the truth as it is in Christ was remaining, how could any exhortations and injunctions be addressed to and binding upon them? What should the inspired apostle say? I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you were called if there is no danger of going astray. Also. That you put off concerning the former conversation, the old man which is corrupt. According to the deceitful lusts. But how much mistaken the apostle Paul must have been if there was no old man left. And upon another occasion, he said, For I delight in the law of God after the inward man, but I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind. Certainly. They who vainly imagine that their old man's carnal nature is dead, cannot feel while in that state of mind much satisfaction in reading the declarations of Paul concerning the complex character of the children of God while in the flesh.

As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord. When the vessels of mercy are made the recipient of the divine nature, or partakers of the divine nature, in some instances, years passed before the Lord is pleased to reveal himself to them as their law, giver, judge, priest, and Redeemer. But when the appointed time has come, he opens the mind, in some cases gradually, like as he dealt with Lydia of old, his word distilling like to do, and in other instances suddenly. Yet when the glorious Lord becomes into such in their experience a place of broad rivers and streams, is he not received. The end is not at the end of the law for righteousness. Do not the vessels of mercy. Then feel childlike. Do the follies and vanities of this world then predominate? Do competences then reign supreme? Do they not feel that they brought nothing into this world? Do they not realize that when they can carry? No earthly. Treasure out of this world. Do the Bacchanalian feasts of the Drunkard, the fascinating charms of the Card table, or the pleasures of the Ballroom have much power over them? Do they then feel like being busybodies in other men's matters? Do they even feel like misrepresenting the sentiments of a brother or sister? Would they then take advantage of a fellow mortal knowingly? D's or similar questions might be multiplied, but enough have been propounded to indicate something of the feelings of God's children when they were brought into the gospel, light, and Liberty. Dear brethren and sisters, could we not once have answered in the negative all the questions propounded? Most certainly if we were ever experimentally taught those things, and if we have not been our profession Has been merely A nominal thing. Because those carnal principles did not prevail at the blessed time spoken of. We might think the old man was dead, but bitter experience proves to all the children of God that their depraved nature remains in the flesh, which I design. To more particularly dwell upon in elaborating on the second or last clause of the text under consideration.

Soul walk you in him. After the deliverance is granted to child of God. The ordinance of baptism has shown unto such one not merely the mode, but through faith. Such one sees clearly symbolized the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. For he said to John, suffer it to be so now, for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Our redeemer's example is what his followers are to obey and not the carnal theories of men. The Apostle Peter referring to the Ark. Wherein few that his eight souls were saved by water said. The like figure we're on to baptism does also now save us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God. By the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers are being made subject to him. Are any who may read this walking in disobedience? If so, surely you cannot be walking in him. In not obeying His command concerning the ordinance of baptism. For said the Savior, If you love me, keep my commandments.

When one has been baptized and has become openly identified with the visibly organized church, sweet satisfaction will be enjoyed in thus obeying the Lord, not as a cause of life, but a result. But will indifference to church obligations afterward be walking in him. Certainly not for said Christ to His disciples, who manifested uneasiness as to what they should eat, drink, and be clothed with. Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of these things, but seek you first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things. Just what your Heavenly Father has purpose for you shall be added unto you. In exact accordance with the declaration of Christ is the teaching of the apostle. For said he, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Also. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see that they approaching. Can these commandments and exhortations, binding not upon them, who are dead in sins, but upon the heaven-born and heaven taught, be treated with indifference by God's children? And they escaped the rod? Certainly not, for then they are not walking in Christ Jesus the Lord as they received him. Members of a gospel church should be very careful and subordinate worldly affairs to their obligations in the Church as much as possible. That there Are many providential hindrances during the years that persons are connected with the Church is true? But sometimes when delinquent, the excuses I did not feel very well, or I had company from a distance or the weather was unfavorable was the reason I was not present. Now, beloved, let us try those excuses. Supposing a few dollars of earthly treasure would slip. From us when we were hindered by such trifles as already named. If we should not be present, think we should not make the effort to be on time, provided the weather should be unpleasant. Or we did not feel very well. Or some company from a distance who were visiting us at the time. The awfully solemn declarations made by an inspired man are be not deceived. God is not mocked for whatsoever a man sows, so also he reaps. For he that sows to his flesh. Shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that sows to the spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary and well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

Not only are the children of God to assemble themselves together. But there are relative duties not to be forgotten or said aside. For it is recorded, bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. These must be certainly external burdens, for in the same chapter it says for every man shall bear his own internal burden, something he cannot transfer to the nearest friend. In keeping up a visibly organized church, there are necessary expenses to be born, such as having a suitable place for house in which to meet for worship, not for show, not a worldly display, but a plain comfortable building, not after the model of some heathen pagoda. But a shelter from the winter's cold and shade from the summer's heat, and it is binding upon every member of such a church to do his or her part, as God has prospered him or her in the things of this world. Not that there should be a course pursued. That would seem like extortion. But let all things be done decently in an order. Then the burden or burdens would be equally divided according to the means of each member. And when members who have the means persistently refuse, it is disorderly conduct, and such one should be dealt with according to the gospel rule in meekness, love, and sincerity, showing them their error, and generally if the right course is pursued. Such ones see the improper course and abandon it.

Sometimes the sad spectacle is public of some old, true and tried servant, who has for many years laboured for and with the churches in Word and doctrine, and has become so feeble in body that he can no more enter the pulpit, instead than of being highly esteemed and counted worthy of double honour, seems rather to be in the way. And a great burden sometimes. The talk is, Didn't he save anything during his ministry? If he did not, he certainly ought to have saved something to have in his old age. It is to be hoped that such is not often the case, but lamentable as it may appear, that spirit is sometimes manifested, and the servant of God, who has given all the strength and vigour of His early life to the cause, is, when thus physically incapacitated, to preach any more, looked upon as a sort of. sang froid. But is it just? To pursue such a course. Concerning the ministers laying up much of this world's treasure, if they are gospel ministers, their minds have some better and higher employment than the study to see how much they can gain of earthly riches. And they are the very men who often get sadly disappointed in persons in whom they had implicit confidence for when they were. Are with brethren, and experienced perils among false brethren it is being wounded in the House of their professed friends, going from place to place, and feeding the flock of God. In what little worldly dealings they have had, they have felt in heart. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you. Do you even sell to them? For this is the Law and the Prophets. Because the son of life is setting with such an under a cloud of worldly adversity. Should they be lost sight of by the church or churches they have faithfully served? Would it not be like a man who had been many years of faithful service for an animal, yet when the animal was too old to be, any prophet turned the beast out to die? The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. The wisdom of this world often exhibits shrewdness of a wonderful capacity, in not only taking the advantage of their fellow men, but in clinging pertinaciously. To it. But will it be the effect of the Spirit in a child of God that will lead to such a course? Certainly not. But the carnal, fallen, earthly, sensual, devilish nature left in the flesh. Did not grace have a wonderful effect upon Zacchaeus? He said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. The poor members of the Church are to be remembered, and if we feel not for them, can we be walking in the commands of Christ? James says, If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them the part in peace be you warmed and filled. Notwithstanding, you give them not those things which are needful to the body, what does it profit Even so? Faith, if it had not works, is dead being alone.

Having dealt at some length upon the affirmative, or what is binding upon them, who walk in Christ, as they have received Him, I shall now show forth something of the negative, or that which they also, who desire to walk, according to the Divine rule, are prohibited from doing. There are many things by themselves considered. Which are not evils per se, but the tendency is to lead on to matters which are a positive evil and ultimately bring sorrow, distress and alienation amongst the children of God. The Apostle settles the matter concerning various matters, for says he. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Now it is not abstained from the evil merely. But the very appearance of evil, if we receive Christ Jesus the Lord, did we not see a glorious fullness in him? Were we not brought to see that his own power would sustain his church? Did we not feel that his words to Peter, which read dust? And I say unto you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it were precious unto us. And inspired, Apostle says. And of his fullness have we all received, and grace for grace. And what is that fullness? It is grace and truth, the apostle Paul said. But by grace of God, I am what I am. In the reception of such a glorious fullness, was there any room for the carnival inventions of men, Sunday schools, Bible societies, foreign and home missions, organizations which to day are festering all over with corruption? No, for if there had been room for them, there could not have been a complete fullness in Christ. It is absurd to talk about a complete fullness in Christ and take an active part in such things for the avowed purpose of keeping the congregation together. For there being no stronger tie than that, it will certainly be severed so far as it regards to Primitive Baptist Church. That worldly organizations called churches are kept together by such means for a time is admitted. But if the children of God are not bound together by love, the tie is a feeble one indeed. Therefore, if church expects to prosper not in having visible members merely. And have peace, love and harmony. She must have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness. Question Is the writer of this article opposed to the person's having information? No, but the subject now under consideration is neither worldly ignorance nor wisdom, neither worldly poverty nor riches, but the walk of the children of God. Now, there are some other things that I cannot feel justified in omitting to specify in this communication before closing it. Which have no other purpose than the gratifying of the carnal mind, yet are very pernicious, and their effects causing reproach often to be brought upon our profession. Paul said, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edify, that it may minister grace unto the heavens. It is corrupt communication when law and gospel are mingled so far as words are concerned, and that kind of communication does not minister grace under the hearers But in the absolute sense, law and gospel cannot be mingled. There is another kind of corrupt tuck I wish to notice, particularly for his baneful effects have been often seen, for instance, a preacher in travelling to and from his appointments, or attending to his worldly business calls at some public place, and as soon engaged in low vulgar talk with the crowd. Is it not corrupt communication? Is he at such a time setting a gospel example and walking in Christ as he received him? Certainly not, and quite likely as soon as he is separated from such company, the remarks will be made. That man is a preacher and is naturally a smart man. But he seems to have little or no dignity and I don't care to hear him preach. How soon such course will destroy one's usefulness? Neither have the private members of the Church any more right to indulge in such a course than ministers. Are not these things so upon the occasion the apostle Paul said to his Galatian brethren, Am I therefore become your enemy? Because I tell you the truth? 

The Apostle Peter said If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you. For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part the adversaries of truth. He is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. To be reproached in the name of Christ is an evidence of a gracious statement. For said the Redeemer, Blessed are you, When men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say, all manner of evil against you falsely Mark, it must be said, will falsely, for my sake rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. For great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. The apostle, in the immediate connection, speaks of another kind of suffering. Because they're very different. Cause produces it for, he says. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Now the murderer, the thief, and the evil-doer are frequently despised and said at not. Not only by the Church, but by the community at large, because their acts are so openly glaring against their principles of right and justice, and the law of the land is executed in punishing them. And the guilt and condemnation they suffer is in some instances is very great, but it is not for the name of Christ, but their own abominations. But there is another character named that seems to be rather screened from what is termed the Law of man, but should not escape the discipline of the Church of Christ, and that is the busy body. How much sorrow and distress have been caused in the Church by busybodies, and the awful denunciations of the scriptures are uttered against him? Are they who indulge that course while so doing walking in the commands of Christ? No. But they are walking after the flesh and are not in a frame of mind to either enjoy the preaching of the gospel or deal with any important matter in a church, for they are in a state of death. Paul said of certain characters and Withal. They learned to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies speaking things which they ought not. Busy bodies must, in the very nature of their employment, become dissemblers. If there are troubles in the church, how ready the busybody is to make it known and sometimes give it a peculiar coloring. Is that the way to bring quiet harmony and peace into the church? No. But where no wood is there, the fire goes out, so would there is no talebearer The strife ceases, as colds are the burning coals and wood to fire. So is a contentious man that kindles strife. The words of a tail bearer are as wounds and they go look down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a pot shirt covered with silver dross. When there is distress and trouble amongst God's dear children caused by their depraved natures, as far as possible, it should be kept from being made public to the enemies of truth. For tell it not in gaffe, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon. Let the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of an uncircumcised triumph. Beloved. Are we not, as a denomination, watched with an envious eye by not only the openly ungodly, but by all the votaries of Antichrist? Do they not rejoice when they know our troubles? Are they not desiring our destruction as a church? How careful we all should be in giving advice and asking counsel that we do not become busybodies and thereby stir up strife instead of inculcating peace. Be sure that we understand the subject, whatever it may be, and exercise due care in making our statements, so that no wrong impression is made, saying nothing about the matter or matters in the presence of enemies of the truth. Or of them who are tail bearers in the church. The Salma said. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips. Also, I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. And Paul said, But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Why should the apostle say thus? Were there not principles left in the body liable to lead that body astray? The injunctions of the Apostle Peter to his brethren remain in full force to day, without being abated in the least degree. Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile and hypocrisies and envies, and evil speakings, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. If so be you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. When we are enabled us to do, we are walking in Christ.

I will now briefly notice some of the things denominated innocent amusements, some of which I do not now remember to have noticed in the many able communications written upon the walk of the children of God. But but many excellent articles were a sort of caveat without any specifications, and if no authority can be found for them, they should be abstained from. Do we have the record anywhere in the New Testament that the apostles indulged in the innocent amusement of being occasionally seated around the card table for hours with men of the world, or congregating in a pleasant billiard saloon with the rabble to spend a few hours in amusing themselves or turning aside to meet the elite of society? In the fascinating charms of the ballroom. But, says one reader, why have you mentioned such things? Because the time has come when it is necessary. Can there be any harm in such amusements? If the popular religionists of the day and the non professing world practice such things as it is certain they do, it only shows whether affections are and I expected of them, For their religion is a flesh and blood religion, and it is to be feared that the large portion of them. Our entire strangers to the Cross. Says someone. There is nothing forbidding such amusements by God's children, provided that there is no immoral conduct. But the question is not morality or immorality, but the walk of God's children. The statement that there is nothing forbidding those things is not an answer containing any weight whatever. For what is not authorized in the scriptures is forbidden as much as though they were recorded in a positive interdict, and the same judgment is pronounced against him who add to as upon them who take from. See Revelation 22.18, 19. In vain shall we search the New Testament for authority for such things. But do not sum in whom you have confidence that they are born again. Indulge in those amusements. If they do. Are they walking according to God's commandments? In what is termed churches, a proviso is made when certain ones unite. Something like the following. I will now join with the understanding that my amusements are not to be abridged, that I can still have the privilege of the Card Table, the Billiard Saloon and the Ballroom. To which the answer is about as follows. If you are moral, fill your seat and pay your dues for church purposes, we have no objection. Can there be any cross in the world? Its follies and vices can be carried along with us. 

Paul's instructions to Timothy, whom he calls my dearly beloved son. Where till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in you, which has been given you by the prophecy, with the laying on of hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things, Give yourself wholly to them, that your profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto yourself and unto the doctrine continue in them, For in doing this you shall both save yourself and them that hear you. Does he say, my son, when you are sad and gloomy, Take a little amusement according to the dictates of your fleshly mind, because there is no harm in so doing? Certainly not. But he said to him, Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. In meekness, instructing those that oppose themselves if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taking captive by him at his will. Do such declarations give lenity to gratify the carnal desires of God's children? But he was a minister. Very true. Are they not to be examples to the flock? That evasion will not justify any of us.

These things, called innocent amusements, have in some instances let God's children far astray, for the cart Playing has led to genuine gambling, and the midnight hour has found the members of the church with the rabble, and sometimes such ones go home to their families intoxicated and And thereby have brought. Sorrow and distress, not only into the family, but into the church. And other so-called innocent amusements have led to sad consequences. And what can lead us to such a course but the gratifying of our carnal lusts? Are we not commanded to mortify, therefore your members which are upon the earth, Fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil concupiscence? And covetousness. Which is idolatry. For such things sake, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience in the which you also walk sometimes when you lived in them.

Now Dearly beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, both young and old, ought we not to pass the time of our sorjourneying here in fear Knowing that we are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold. From your our vain conversation, received by tradition from your our fathers, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was Forward aimed before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in these last times for us you. May our prayer unto God by the Spirit be Lord, enable me to adorn my profession by walking according to your commandment. It matters pertaining to the Church and the Kingdom here on earth.

William J Purington

Hopewell, N.J.  January 16, 1880