The Jewish Church—In the time of our Savior, compared with the church at the present day

When we read the condition of the Jewish Church, as delineated in the Bible, we cannot but be struck with many points, in which there is a striking similarity with the church of our own times. The Jewish church was the only church of God on earth, and in many periods of its history, it was humble and devoted to the service of God, but at the time of Christ's first advent, it had become worldly minded, and forms and ceremonies had taken the place of heart-felt devotion. At the present day, the fervent piety which distinguished the religion of our fathers, has in a great measure given place to formality and lukewarmness, and professed Christians are as eager in pursuit of this world's goods as are the most indifferent worldlings.

Then they were proud and haughty; they loved the chief seats in the synagogue and the uppermost rooms at feasts, and for a pretense made long prayers; they loved to be called Rabbi, and sought praise of men. Even so are professing Christians now. Then they made great displays of their charities, the rich cast in publicly into the treasury of their abundance, and did their alms before men. Now, the charities of the church are blazoned abroad to the world, and many will withhold from creditors their honest debts, that they may have the name of making large donations.

Then the people placed great reliance upon the opinions of their spiritual teachers, and had full confidence that they were right. Now, multitudes are pinning their faith upon the sleeves of their ministers with implicit reliance in their opinions. Then the priests were learned, and had unbounded confidence in themselves, and believed that they of all men were alone capable of pointing out the right road to heaven. Now, our ministers seem to think that they are the people, and that when they die, wisdom will die with them.

Then religion as it was administered, was popular, and many heartless worldlings embraced it. Now, the same cause draws multitudes into the church. Then the line of distinction which marked the professor from the worldling could hardly be perceived. Now, as far as outward acts are manifested, it is almost obliterated, and we hardly know which is which.

Then the teachers in Zion gave more deference to the traditions of the elders than they did to the laws of Moses. Now the opinions of our commentators take the precedence of a “thus saith the Lord.” Then the priests were ready to despise any truths different from what they taught. Now our ministers are treading in their footsteps.

Then the great, the high and the learned rejected our Savior. Now they turn a deaf ear to all suggestions respecting his return. Then the common people heard Christ gladly. Now hundreds of the same class are living in the blessed hope of his glorious appearing.

Then they disbelieved in the fulfillment of the prophecies respecting Christ's first coming. Now are equally skeptical with regard to the prophecies and signs of his second. Then they were expecting a temporal prince. Now the Church is expecting a temporal millennium. Then they were disappointed in their expectations. Even so will the church be now.

Then Christ came and found them unprepared for his coming. He has assured us that it will be so again. Then the prophets prophesied falsely, the priests bore rule by their means, and the people loved to have it so. Now the people love to hear that the end is not yet. Then they were cast off and rejected by reason of their unbelief; and now what will ye do in the end thereof? for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Be not high minded, but fear.

O that the church would awake from its death like stupidity, and arouse itself, that souls may not be lost by its lukewarmness. The Jews of old verily thought they were doing God's service, but that did not save them from the wrath of an angry and insulted God. Neither will an overweening confidence in the rectitude of any cause, now prove that it is the cause of God.

At the present day the world is too prone to take the opinions of others, without examining for themselves; but remember that each one must answer at the bar of God, and stand or fall for ourselves. No man can there plead our cause; we can offer there no private interpretation of scripture or the opinions of commentators, in extenuation of our sins. We shall be judged in accordance with the plain declarations of that holy word which we attempt to mystify and spiritualize away.

Then may we all examine this question, each one for ourselves, and make that preparation of heart by the aid of God's Holy Spirit which is essential to our future-well being; and may we realize that seeing all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons we ought to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. And seeing that we look for such things, may we be found of him in peace without spot and blameless, that we may receive that crown of righteousness which is laid up for all those who love his appearing.

B.