We have no time to pursue this matter at present, but can easily, when we have time, amplify and explain to any extent, showing that the principles now only briefly sketched, pervade the Scriptures throughout. It means something to be in the kingdom of God, as it does to be “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” “in Christ,” “in the Father and the Son.” It is to be in a state of justification, or acceptance with God.
[THE BIBLE AND BIBLE MEN.]
WE have identified our fortune—our all—for this world and that which is to come, for time and eternity, with the Bible. It is the only revelation from God, the only guide for a sinful world. Christ, who is the only Light of the world, is seen and apprehended through the Bible, and in no other way. All claims to revelation, separate from the Bible, are mere empty pretences, idle and unfounded delusions and impostures, deserving to be exposed and banished from the earth. They, as a general thing, are wicked and malicious inventions, aimed to subvert and thwart the merciful and benevolent purposes of the Bible. The Bible is the only book from God; the only book that can be defended; the only book upon which all the pure and holy can unite. Those who adhere to the Bible, are happy while they live, and happy in death. It is emphatically the book for man. We are for it, now and forever, and against all that is against it, or subversive of it, either directly or indirectly. We are for no half way work, no compromise nor equivocal ground. Let every man be for the Bible, or against it; on the Lord’s side, or against him; for christianity, or nothing; for heaven, or hell. We want no man who stands in doubt. If a man can not define his position, so that all can tell which side he is on, we have no use for him. We count no man whose position is doubtful. All men whose position is doubtful, are really on the enemy’s side, and would surrender any post we have, if the opportunity would offer. We are not to be gulled by these, nor induced to depend on them. We would greatly prefer that they would stand where they belong, so that all would know where to find them.
We have identified ourself with Bible men. Their cause is our cause, and their God is our God. Their work is our work. With them we are enlisted in a mighty effort to circulate the Bible as far among the nations of the earth as possible. We are proud to stand among the men of the Bible, to be enrolled with them, and in the enjoyment of their fellowship. The prospect before these is brighter now than ever before; their work is going on more triumphantly, and success is more certain, than at any former time.
[BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.]
