Life from the dead is in that word;
'Tis immortality."
To be with Jesus is to be with him in affection and thought; to love what he loves, and to believe what he teaches. One may be with Jesus in place, and yet be very far from him in spirit. This was exemplified by Judas. He sat at the same table with the Lord, but his heart, his mind and feelings were very far away. At that very time he was plotting his destruction, for Judas was a devil from the beginning. Even Peter, just a little while after that, caught by the Lord's eye, went out and wept bitterly. It is not, therefore, a local or personal nearness which the Lord has in mind when he prays that all whom the Father hath given him may be with him, but a nearness of heart, in the affection of love, and the obedience of faith.
Brethren and friends, let me say to you, that it is the duty, and not only the duty, but the highest attainment of Christian liberty, to be with Jesus and to give knowledge to all around that one has not only been, but now is every day with Jesus. True godliness, however, does not desire to make a display of itself; it seeks no prominence in the world; neither does it aspire to receive the applauses of men. It does not ride upon the tempest of religious disputes, nor clothe itself with the whirlwind of fanatical excitement. But, like the Divine Spirit from which it springs, it speaks in the still, small voice of tender compassion and love. Like its Lord, it enters a house, the house of the humble, contrite heart, and would have no man know it; but it cannot be hid.
Now, Brethren and friends, I have only touched some of the chords in the beautiful anthem of my theme. I now leave it with you, hoping that you may learn every note in it; and by the sweet music of a good life delight the ears and warm the hearts of all who hear its rich harmonies. Possibly you may never see my face or hear my voice again. I am now on my way back to Virginia, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. It may be that bonds and afflictions abide me. But I feel that I have done nothing worthy of bonds or of death; and none of these things move me; neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.
Thursday, May 19. Come to Hagerstown and dine at Brother Brown's.
Friday, May 20. Visit Sister Molly Clemmens; dine at Brother Jacob Fesler's; sup at Brother Peter Fesler's, and by request have meeting again in Columbus to-night. My subject is Matt. 7:13, 14. Stay at Peter Fesler's all night. Warm and pleasant day.
Saturday, May 21. Visit Andrew Fertig's, where I stay till after dinner. I then come to Middletown; and from there to Fall Creek meetinghouse, to Brother David Miller's meeting. John 14 is read. I speak upon the spirit and general scope of truth comprehended in the chapter. Jacob Fry and wife are baptized. I then go home with old Brother Jacob Miller, and after supper go to Brother David Miller's, where I stay all night. Fine and warm day.
Sunday, May 22. Visit Absalom Painter; he is sick, and I think poorly. Attend meeting at the meetinghouse. John 3 is read. I speak upon the new birth, the most important matter that can possibly engage the thought and occupy the heart of man, inasmuch as without it, there is no salvation. Dine with Jacob Miller, who is a son of George Miller. In the afternoon visit Joseph Funk's and from there I go to George Hoover's where I stay all night. A fine but warm day.
Monday, May 23. Stay at George Hoover's till after dinner. In the afternoon call at Joseph's and John's, and visit the Sulphur Springs. Night meeting. Speak from First John, second chapter, last part of the twenty-ninth verse: "Every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." A righteous life is the proof that one is born of God. Charity, which is the love of doing good, is the child of the new birth. This leads to righteousness or justice in all our dealings with one another. I can not love my brother and at the same time seek undue advantage of him, or try to cheat him in any way. The same is true in dealing with those outside the Brotherhood. This righteousness shuts down the gate upon the stream of all evil affections and lusts, because it springs from that love which forever whispers in the heart: "All things, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets."