Morning Star

One Word to Christians.

All good men have one object in view. salvation, which has one author, Christ. In like manner, there is but one way in which they can obtain it, and that is by doing right and suffering wrong. Men may adopt false systems of faith, and flatter themselves with false hopes—they may suppose that all will be well—that their salvation is secure, without knowing why or how; but as "there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved," except "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth," so there is no other way to secure salvation, but by obedience in the prescribed path.

And even here Christians must expect obstacles and persecution. Though they may not be thrown to wild beasts, like Daniel, or into the furnace, like the three worthies, sawn asunder like Isaiah, beheaded like John the Baptist, stoned like Stephen, crucified like Peter, banished like John the beloved disciple, or burnt at the stake like many thousand martyrs, yet they must expect to be despised, ridiculed and slandered; for what good man is not? They must expect to meet the frowns of the world, and to contend with the selfishness and waywardness of their own hearts. They must expect disappointment and crosses, darkness and doubt; but they have an arm on which they can rely, and one which will never fail them, if they repose confidence in it. Then, brethren, let us not be discouraged, but, with all possible dispatch, proceed on our journey to the celestial city.—J. M. B.