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THE PRilCTICA. L CHRISTIilN.


VOL. I.


Devoted to Truth and Righteou8n e88.


MENDON, MASS. APRIL 1, 1840. No. 1.


o


But in all candor and soberness, in view of the


selfishness, chicanery and corruption which a­hounds


in, as well as out of the church, I ask- '


" Where is Christianity ?" Do we look for the


fruits of the pure religion ofChrist in the visible


church? we find abundant profession, but little


practice. Many are saying, " Lord, Lord," but


few are doing the wil! of the Father in heaven.


Many give evidence that they belong to a king.


dom, but it is outward and worldly. Thousands


cling with tenacity to their creed, while they


daily in works deny the example of their Re­deemer.


At the door of the heart Christ stands


and knocks, but his gentle voice ill lost in the


clamor for earthly greatness- his soft hand is


refused in the eagerness for sickly honors, pleas­ures


and riches.


Whether we tum to the right or left., want


and suffering meet the eye, and this . in a world


where there is " enough and to spare." But it


may be said, indolence and vice have procured


this SUffering, therefore the practical fruits of


Christianity can avail but little. Be it granted,


that to some extent this is true. I shall not stop


here to argue the length and breadth of the du­ty


of doing good by exercising the spirit of diffu-sive


benevolence. It is sufficient for my pres­ent


purpose to say, the good · heart finds no


time or excuse to cease from benevolent and


philanthropic action. The world is a field of


active labor, and man, of every nation, clime apd


color is a brother, therefore none can innocently


refrain" to do good and communicate, for with


such sacrifices God is well pleased." .


" Where is Christianity?" I turn my coarse


to yonder stately mansion. Without', the sight


is magnificent and gorgeous. I enter within its


enamelled doors to gaze upon the rich display of


taste and art that every where meets the eye.


I behold the work of ingenuity to impart ease


and render each hour one of luxury to the lord


supreme who dwells within. The festive board


i, L, sprtlaft. with glit~ ring ~ and c~ t1y vessels- it


is laden with the dainties ofearth. Desserts rich


and various crown the meal. A retinue of ser-vants


wait their master's bidding. The coach of


ease and pleasure waits at the door to receive


the owner and convey him whithersoever he will.


The bed of down is spread and surrounded with


gaudy tappings to receive this pleasure- wea­ried


pilgrim.


In the midst of this splendor, while ruminating


upon the history of that Redeemer who had not


where to lay his head, I ask, . who inhabits here ~


The answer is a professed follower of Christ­one


who by the world and church is reputed a


sound christian. For according to the present


standard, " they who will live godly in Christ


Jesus" are not call ed to suffer persecution. To


recei ve the fellowship and tlattery both of the


church and world, the disciple may " clothe in


purple and fine linen and fare sumptuously every


day." An outward deference to creed and ( orin


throws open the door of the church, and promis­es


the kingdom of heaven, A name enrolled as


a donor for the relief of the man at " farl. herest


pole," though the next neighbor may suffer and


die. and eulogies are heard long and loud.


But a little distance from this splendid man­sion


may be seen the poor man's cab in. With­oUI,


are visible proofs of poverty . . It scarcely


serves to shelter the poor inmates from the cold


wind's blow and pelting storm. But oh, within


the scene is doubly wretched. The emaciated


form ofa consumptive mother is stretched- upon


the pallet of straw. Her fainting voice tells


the tale of woe, and humanity inhuman is rea­dy


to weep. She reaches forth her emaciated


hand to convey some water to her parched lips.


Around a few embers are gathered her fatherless


group. On every spot the eye surveys iswitness­ed


poverty in the extreme. Hunger urges the


children to cl'y for bread, and the pain- worn


mother, as the tear sta rts from her eye, feebly


answers, my lambs I have none. Near her


pillow lays her dearest treasure, God's Holy


Word. She ejaculates some of its consoling


words- the eye brightens, and tears of gratitude


fall. And why that placid smile, those joyful


tears? She has found " him of whom Moses and


the prophets did write." Her treasure is in


heaven, whither she 10ngB to go to reign with" ..


her Redeemer, as a crown of his rejoicing


the prayer:-~ FATHERFORGIVE THEM,'- and


endeavor to breathe the spirit by which it was


dictated. i- Doing this, we shall Boon be intro­duced


to the unveiled presence of the Invisible.


For blessed are the pure in heart i- they shall


see Gad. To such He reveals himself- to such


only. > w. H. F.


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more and more, as men shall come to underste: nd


In what true greatness consists.


We rlo not pretend to say, however, that it


has this or that efficacy and no other j for as


yet, it may be, that we look at it ' through a glass


darkly.' Perfection alone can discern perfec­tion.


And as the generations of men shall ad­vance


towards this blessed and attainable state,


their spiritual visions will become clearer and ~ WHERE IS CHRISTIANITY?


" clearer, and still brighter rays will shine out from In tiJ. king the most superficial view of human


A WORD INTRODUCTORY. the cross upon them. But some have now high. society, whence is witnessed" man's inhumanity


Being intimately acquainted with those who er views, and more sanctifying, than others.- To to man" we arc led involuntarily to exclaim­are


pledged te contribute to the columns of the exalt Jesus to his proper place, there are those " Wh're is Cliristianity?" We say we are a


." Practical Christian," I doubt not the paper who contend that it is necessary for us to sup- Christian Nation. Wepointto our almost count­will


be what its name indicates. I am aware pose that his physical sufferings were infinitely less c~ urches-- our colleges, seminaries and be­that


the principles and duties which it will ad- greater than those ever endured by any other nevol~ t institutions. Wepublish in bold and lof­vocate


, ( which are set forth in the ' Standard' individual. The amount ofmisery which he IlX. ty sentences our march onward to civil and reli­publi


shed in this No.) will render the paper un- perienced seems to be their ground of attach- gious perfection. We talk piteously ofthe benigh­popular


with the world, with all partizans both in ment to him. And often, we believe, has his ted heathen who is deprived ofthe " lamp oflife."


church and state: and who is there besides? death been described to no O'ood purpose. Tears We weep, at least in profession, for the poor


' Vho is able to shake off entirely the shackles have tlown, perhaps, and freely- s- but what has Hindoo widow who willingly throws herself a


both of religious and political party, and stand called them forth? Sometimes we fear, the sacri. fice upon the funeral pile! But alas for our


up the Lord's free man? There is still a rem- promptings of pity merely. But 0, this is not consistency, In sober truth, what are we, as a


nant: and we look to such to support our pa · the love of Christ. Sympathy we should have n~ tiont~~ o th~ s profess t? ~ eel? Wi. th ou~ ex­per,


and the gospel in its original simplicity and for Him, as one suffering the pains of crucifixion, alted Jl' 1~ tleges are weshmmg as a bright lIght,


independence. We rely not upon numbers for but these pains must not be as a veil, hiding from and. rolling on the car of salv~ ti~ n? Are we


success in this enterprise, but upon God and us the god- like spirit which produced that calm- holding up the standard of Christian excellence


the righteousness of our principles. We are ness or mind, by which he bowed his head in by precept and example, that it may be under­confident


these principl es will commend them- resignation to the Fathez. and retained his love stood ofall nations, that God alone is our lawgiver,


selv es and this periodical to all who love the for the guilty. Through his outward sufferings , christ our King? With spiritual weapons are


Lord Jesus Christ, and deem the prevalence of we must look to that spotless and pure soul, that we contending earnestly for truth and righteous­his


kingdom the high est object of human ef- image of the infinite, which was about to ascend ness? Would that we were not self- condemned,


fort. to the right hand of God. It is that which we and compelled to giv~ in our verdict of shame


Th e cau se in which we are enlisted under must love. And in his unresisting spirit is lind reproach.


•, The Lord's anointed," is one of inc~ nceivable found, in our opinion, the chief glory of the So far are we as a people from the deserved


magnitude; the renovation of the whole of God's cross. Had he only endured the reproaches that appellation of" workers of righteousness," that


intelligent creation! Openly to avow our faith in were heaped upon him, to a certain degree- the plain principles of Christ's . Sermon on the


the final consummation of this work is to bring had he said to those who followed him to the Mount, uttered more than eighteen hundred


down upon ourselves the odium of all religious place of execution, ' Thus far shalt thou come years SIlo, are now deemedfanatical and vis ion ·


parties. And then to join with this " here- but no farther,' and then turned and destroyed ary! The church. no less than the world, repu­sy


" the" fanatical" doctrines of non · resistance them, 0, how different would he have appeared diate thepure and self- denying doctrines of Him


and abolition, and openly to advocate purity vs. to the world! To be deprived of that sublimest who spake with authority. No sooner is the


icell. tiou, sLle, s, i. s, in,,:> the~ ey. e..~~ "~ orld" and of a" ll. · prayers-' Fa{/ r. er- fo,. give_ tl1em.' ... uuld " bo voiceAr- Reform < raised bz, ~ pP.. llalinl!:... toth~


the degenerate church, the consummation of all to be deprived of the chief ground of our confi- ample of the Son of God, than both church and


foolishness.- Truly, " The preaching of the gos- dence in him as a true Son of God- as a perfect state cry out, as with one voice, away with such


pel is to them that perish foolishness." Never- Savior. And it is worth more to the world than fanataci. ffl. and far- fetched vagaries. The ac­theless,


.. W0 is unto us if we preach not the gos · all the verbal recommendations of a forgiving counted great of this world, inflated with earthly


pel.." If we would gain the world, we must Jose spirit, that were ever uttered- more than all wisdom, affect to despise the humiliating and


Christ: if we will win Chrst, we must suffer the the sermons that were ever preached upon the Christlike teaching of ~ esus. Dazzled with


loss of all things; yea," we count them but subject-{ especially by those who are advocates their own imaginary importance, men forget


dung," that we may win Christ. The sacrifice IS of a system of violence,) and more than all that their littleness and tacitly . say-" W~ are the


small, the reward is large. D. R. L. can possibly be said. It teaches us that there people, wisdom will die with us."


---- is not a point at which forbearance ceases to be Thus this spirit of truth is crippled ofits power


DEATH OF JESUS. a virtue, and physical violence a sfn :- it teach- by that wisdom which is " earthly and sensual."


' T he death of Jesus is one of the most impor- es us that anger must never dwell in our hearts; The heart is closed by the measure of a false


tant events that have taken place in OHr world; that noth ing- not persecution, not the most standard, and men " comparing themselves among


- perhap s in the universe. And we are per- shameful reproaches, not neglect, not scorn, not themselves," are groping in midnight darkness.


suaded that ' Christ crucified,' though still fool- contempt must quench our love for our worst ene- This was the condition of those who crowded


ishn~ ss to some, and a stumbling block to others, mies :- that though cast out of society lind trod- the busy walks of men when Je sus came from


as it once was to Gentiles and Jews, will yet be den under foot of men- s- tho ' put to death in the the Father to teach with authority. As then. so


the admiration and joy of all mankind. That most cru el manner, we must nevertheless refrain even now, do many love themselves and despise


calm and meek sufterer for Truth's sake- that from violence :- and not only from violence, but ' others. Then that which was outward, specious


unrivalled martyr for humanit. y- that self- re- from wrong feelings even, and possess our souls and popular, captivated the heart and gained


nouncing, self- sacrificing, though despised man in patience and good will. myriads of devotees. Even thus it is in this so


of Nazareth- that Perfect One, whose love no ' L et that mind be in you whi ch was in Christ called enlightened age. The world, and shame


opposition could quench, and whose forgiveness Jesus,' is an exhortation binding upon all. And is to say, the church, are both influenced by out.


they even obtained, who nailed him to the cross it not written: ') f any man have not the spirit ward snow, vain- glory' and momentary applause.


- he will yet be recognized, throughout the of Christ he is none of his' ?- Oh! that all who Hence the inward graces- humility, simplicity,


whole earth, as the brightness of the divine glo- preadi Jesus, or attempt to, understood him; meekness. self- denial and [ orbesrance are cast into


ry, and the express image of Him who dwells would hold him up before the world as a pattern the shade. And hence religion pure and unde­in


light inaccessible. And the period in which for men to follow. But we will not despair. filed is shorn of her strength, and Christ is yet a


be departed from among us- that will be con- Some are beginning to do this. And when our Teacher sent, but not heard and obeyed. His


sidered as the most important period in the thoughts, beloved reader, are directed ' aright to kingdom which is purely spiritual we can never


world's history. From thence will be dated the the death of Jesus, we shall be ' changed from enjoy, while we thus mind thillg~ which are tem­dawn


of a new day- the rising of the Sun of glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord. poral, to the neglect of those which are eternal.


Righteousness- the commencement of men's re- - The shortness of life- the certainty of death, Man is infidel to man, and deals treacherously


turn to GOel- to the Supreme Love- to paradise. and the eternity of the judgment to come, im- with his brother. With too little faith in God


Judea and Calvary will be the centre of attrac- portant and weighty considerations as they are, and less in each other, we live as strangers and


tion to all eyes, and there man's only sure hope have not one half the moral power in them- at enemies, rather than as brethren and friends.


of another and better life will be discovered. least upon a true mind, that a contemplation of We daily fall out by the way- we persecute and


The perfect righteousness of Jesus- his freedom Christ on the cross has. And let us remember oppress each other. Our labor and toil is not


from selfish ends and aims- his entire devotion that it is only in ' proportion as we become like for humanity but self. We buy, sell I and get


to God and to the welfare of mankind- his him, as there manifest, that we approach the gain; we gather in the fruits of the earth; we


meekness, his humility. his compassion, his be- character of true sons of God. ' God is love; pull down and build larger, with the fixed senti­nevolence,


his forgiving spirit" manifest all and hll that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God meat that a man's life consists in the abundance


through lite, but especially in death- these traits and God in him.' And when we find ourselves of the things which he poss. esses, and that if we


of character will secure him a place in the affec- in that frame of mind in which nothing flows and ours are comfortable, prosperous and happy,


tions of those who understand him. and appreci- out from us but love, for the worst of enemies, all is well.


ate goodness, to the end of time :- and the even, then and not till then, are we prepared for This is a brief but t. rue picture of the world as


opening tomb from which he ascended to the heaven. Therefore to ' Christ crucified,' and to it is. Reader am I not right in this rernark P


mansions of purity and peace, will be a stand. ' Christ crucified,' us an example for us tofollow, Far be it from me to deteriorate one jot from


ing evidence, that man is immortal. And certain - let us direct our thoughts. Wherever lFe the goodness and virtue of human society, To


it is, that the death of Jesus will be admired may be, among friends or foes, let us remember act the part of , a mislU! thrope I have no desire,


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Page 1 from Volume 1 of The Practical Christian 1840-1841

Ballou, Adin

1840