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THE

THE

Lutheran Home

Come Journal.

MAY, 1858.

For the Lutheran Home Journal. THE LUXURY OF DOING GOOD. HE pursuit of happiness is with most men, the great object of life. Some are actuated to it by base and sordid motives; utter selfishness will sometimes prompt an act which tends to render another happy; and he who performs it may perhaps be surprised at so unlooked for a result.

Thus, too, a worldly man, by some profitable speculation to which he has been induced solely by his greediness for gain, may be enabled to surround himself with comforts before unenjoyed, and hence to contribute to the welfare and happiness of his entire household.

But it is not to such instances of indirect beneficence that I would refer you for examples. "It is far better to have a heart to do good, and to want ability for it, than to have ability without a heart to do it."

There is in the world abundant opportunity for doing good, and no one can excuse himself from contributing by his own exertions to the welfare of his race.

The little ant with her busy industry, puts such an one to shame; the busy bee rebukes him as with tireless wing, she "improves each shining hour:" everything in nature seems to have some holy mission to fulfil for man or creatures benefit.

The gentle rain drops pattering one by one upon the parched earth, fertilize its bosom and fit it for the growth of the seed or grain committed to its care.

murmurs awoke the echoes of nature's solitude, has been turned to account, and now the rippling of the cascade is lost in the noisier hum of the mill-wheel turned by its impetus.

The fierce winds, too, as with the fury of an untamed steed, they burst from their mountain fastnesses, threatening to devastate and destroy, bear away on their pinions the unseen, yet poisonous miasma; thus purifying the atmosphere and adapting it for the use of man.

The soft zephyrs that float around us on a summer evening, fragrant with the sweet incense of flowers, seem to be but the vehicles for conveying their grateful praise to Him who formed the lilies of the field more glorious in their simple beauty than Solomon, clothed in all the gorgeous vestments of the ancient temple; and woo us to contemplate the Son of man, whose coming is likened to the wind that bloweth where it listeth.

I might point you to the sun with its light and heat; to the stars which seem like "little holes in the midnight sky for the angels to look through," and keep watch over the sleeping earth; to the majestic forests affording materials for man's use in all the various phases of mechanical enterprise, and at the same time sheltering in the outstretched arms of the tall trees, myriads of birds and beasts that supply his wants.

But I cannot dwell on this prolific theme; The water-fall that once with its soft pleasant and profitable though it be; but VOL. III. NO. 5.

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rather let me lead you to the scenes of human activity, and see if we cannot there find some Luxury in doing Good.

Society is made up of individuals, each one dependent upon, and necessary to the rest; it is a vast system of wheels within wheels, of levers, pulleys, &c., each having its legitimate sphere of duty, and each one important in its particular place. Man moves amongst his fellows in the daily avocations of life, just as the wheels of some vast piece of mechanism move in their place, each contributing to the harmonious action of the whole. Any derangement in one part affects more or less materially the whole, and it becomes the duty, therefore, of each individual in society, to preserve the welfare of all; no one is too young, or too poor, or too insignificant to contribute to this result.

Should some little wheel of a watch make up its mind that it was too trifling to be of service, and refuse to work, the whole machinery must stop.

Should the needle of a mariner's compass determine no longer to point steadily to the pole, but change and vary as it pleased without his guide the sailor must be inevitably lost, and his ship that had for years braved the fiercest winds, and been piloted safely to its destined port, would be led into unknown waters, or cast upon some shoal a wreck.

A clock cannot consist entirely of pendulums, or a locomotive of driving wheels, hundreds of pieces enter into their composition, some small, others large, each fitted for its place, and the duty it has to perform. And so, too, one man may not be able to improve ten talents, therefore, God has kindly given him but five, or it may be but one; but be not discouraged he asks only the improvement of that one.

To give you some idea of the good that can be accomplished by one man, let me point you to Him, who whilst upon earth, went about continually doing good; let us turn to a few acts in the Saviour's life, and see if there is no Luxury in following his bright example.

Behold him as he journeyed from the Tiberian sea, his dusty sandals marking the weary road he had trod; a few faithful followers hang upon his words as with pleasing and instructive talk he beguiled the way.

Ere the sun had sunk to rest behind the distant hills, the Saviour neared the gates of Nain. The sound of busy industry arose from the fair city, stretched along the plain; the temples bathed in floods of light, gave back the radiance of the setting sun, and all was calm and beautiful, except a mournful train that issued from the Northern gate. With faltering steps, an aged widow followed to the tomb her only son. She had watched with constant care his tender years, and saw the bud of

deemed it joy to guard his steps and guide him on to manhood;—but now he too was gone!

The machinery of society is in most perfect order, when each labors for the good of the whole, when each "loves his neigh-hope expand ;-bereft of all save him, she bor as himself." This is the natural result where righteousness prevails, and the more universally Christ is honored, the more happy will man's earthly condition be. Whenever sin displays itself, it causes some derangement of the machinery, or makes necessary an application of the oil of divine grace.

Reader, perhaps that application can be made through you, as well as another!

Let each one do good as he has opportunity, is the command. All men cannot be preachers and teachers, some must be laborers and servants.

Her sole remaining tie to earth was severed; he who day by day had brought to her the income of his vigorous toil, lay cold in death:-she felt as if a few days only, still remained of her long pilgrimage, ere she too hastened heavenward-and following close upon the bier, she bowed with meek submission to her Maker's will, though all that made earth happy was removed.

Drawn by the widow's grief, the Saviour

met them at the gate; the tenderest feel- | Jairus' daughter. The gorgeous curtains ings of his soul were roused, his sympa- scarce let in the light of day and shade the thizing heart yearned towards the poor marble features that vie with the linen afflicted one, and moved by deep compas- vestments in their snowy whiteness: her sion, he placed his hand upon the bier, and hair in glossy ringlets lay upon her bosom, gently said, "Daughter, weep not." stirred by no gentle breathing, and the long lashes drooped over eyes once bright, now lustreless.

The expectant bearers stood, and whilst the mourner turned and raised her aged eyes, bedimmed with tears towards the Saviour's face, radiant with love and pity, the command went forth: "Young man, I say to thee, arise," and lo! "the dead sat up and spake." The widow's heart was full as she clasped again her son; she spoke not; but Jesus knew the gratitude that filled her heart, as she returned no longer childless to her home.

Again we find him wandering amongst the hills that skirt the city of Jerusalem; a vast concourse hung with rapture on his words, as with fervid eloquence he pleads, and lo! whilst all was still, a ruler of the synagogue drew near, and with grief written in every feature of his expressive face, implored the Saviour to go down to his house, for, said he, "I have an only daughter, twelve years old, who lies at the point of death."

The Son of God witnessed the faith of this proud ruler which overcame his ancient prejudices, and turned to accompany him home, when as they neared the place, there came one from the Ruler's house, saying to Jairus, "thy daughter is dead, trouble not the Master."

Then drooped that sorrow-stricken heart; his only child was dead; no longer would he hear her welcome voice: her beaming eye no more should be alight with health and happiness, and that home which before was gladdened with the merry laugh and light footstep of his only daughter was now all desolate.

This mournful reverie was interrupted by the calm low voice of Jesus, who laid his hand gently upon the Ruler's arm, and said, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole."

Entering the darkened chamber, upon a silken couch, reposed the fragile form of

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The parents wept, whilst mourners went about the house, for alas! the silver cord was loosed, the golden bowl was broken: but the loving Saviour smiled, and said, 'She is not dead, but sleepeth;" and looking on her pallid face, he took her hand, and calmly said, “Maiden, arise;" and lo! her spirit came again, the pulseless heart throbbed anew, the flitting color returned to the blanched cheek, the eyelids unclosing, revealed once more to her enraptured parents, the meek gaze of their much loved one: then she arose straightway, restored in perfect health to their fond embrace.

Thus, day after day was spent in laboring for others' good, healing the blind, the lame, the halt, cleansing the leprous who were brought to receive his healing touch.

Even in the temple's midst, where the proud array of Scribes and Pharisees looked on with scorn, he healed the withered hand that was outstretched at his command.

At another time he laid his hand upon a poor infirm woman, who for eighteen years had been bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself-her love to God brought her to the Sanctuary, and there was she released from her infirmity—immediately she was made straight and glorified God.

The Saviour's life was full of acts of mercy; love prompted his self-denying work, and although he often had not where to lay his head, though sneering priests reviled, and even friends deserted him in the hour of need, still did he strive to seek and save the lost, still he called sinners to repentance, and promised to the heavy laden rest; until by the hands of cruel men he died, leaving the bright effulgence of his life of love to lead his followers on. The

Apostles prompted by that same self-deny- | consolations of grace. And, oh! what joy to know, that you have been instrumental in causing the arches of heaven to ring with hallelujahs over some poor repenting sinner.

ing spirit, followed that bright example; they endured with joy both stripes and bitter persecution, glad even to be counted worthy to suffer in his name.

Does any say the Saviour was divinebut we-poor weak and earthly-cannot heal the sick, and cleanse the leper, and raise the dead, and set the captive free.

Does not such an one underrate the power God has given him;-by faith you can do all things.

Are there no lepers in society? Alas! the plague spot of sin is visible every where; its tainted breath pollutes the very atmosphere we breathe; it festers in the heart of those we dearly love, it disturbs the holiness of the Sabbath with drunken revelry, and blasphemous imprecations. Such need the salt of gospel grace. Scatter profusely among them the leaves that are for the healing of the nations-point them to the fountain opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness, that they may wash and be cleansed.

There are those, too, and we need not go to heathen countries to find them, who are bowed down by a spirit of infirmity, and can in no wise lift up themselves. Go to them. Perhaps, for more than eighteen years they have been bowed to earth by some besetting sin; lay your hands upon them, and tell them to look up; point them to the skies, where the Saviour sits enthroned in glory, he invites all to come to him, and promises to the weary and the heavy laden rest.

How many dead in trespasses and sins are waiting, perhaps, for your voice to call them back to life. They are not dead but sleeping, but ah! that sleep how dreadful! that torpor of the soul, it will prove everlasting death, unless disturbed. Cry aloud to such, "I say to thee, arise, Jesus calls you ;" and even as Lazarus came forth, so he may arise to new life it may be, bound hand and foot, with grave-clothes tramelled by sins, yet with new hopes, new views, and with new determinations to serve God. Are there no blind around us whom we can restore? Thousands refuse to see, and there are none so blind as those that will not see; the light of truth pervades not the dark recesses of their hearts; their eyes have never been lighted up by faith; they And even he that is possessed with a grope in sin, loving darkness rather than devil, can we do naught for him-see that life, because their deeds are evil: take such man maddened by liquor-who in his an one by the hand and lead him to the phrenzy hurls his children to earth, who blessed Saviour, until like blind Bartimeus, imagines his devoted wife to be some fiend he exclaims, "Jesus, thou Son of David, incarnate, come to harass and torment him have mercy on me." Leave him not to his before the time, but who watches patientown guidance, or to that of injudiciously over the ravings of his delirium, and friends, or deceitful enemies, until both sad and heart-broken, bears all for the love fall into the ditch. that once he bore to her-go to him, yes, to that wretched man. Commit him to the Son of God-who with a word can cast out devils, and restore to soundness that fevered brain; watch for returning sanity, and point him to the Lamb of God, who died on Calvary for him, who waits to be gracious even to the chief of sinners. A blessing doubtless will attend your efforts, and you may yet see that man through your help, clothed in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Are none around us deaf to the entreaties of the gospel, none who have never heard of Christ, whose ears have ever been closed to the pleadings of God's Spirit, and to whom the still small voice has not been audible?

Yes, there are thousands such. And, fellow Christian, you can unstop their ears, you can tell them the glad news that Jesus died for them; through you they may be enabled to hear for the first time, the sweet

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