tand. I had always thought the Bible
was a book of dark sayings, unintelligible to any but the learned; and
even in their hands doubtful as to its true interpretation. Since then
I have been reading it, especially the New Testament part of it, and
find so much that I can understand that I begin to love it." I have
only to add that this man soon applied for membership in our church,
was baptized, and manifested enthusiastic delight in obeying the
command, "So ought ye also to wash one another's feet," at the first
love feast he ever attended.

In connection with the case I have just described, the two men spoken
of heard with different ears. The ear of the first was so modified by
previous indoctrinations that it could almost shut itself in and
become deaf or callous when the plain truth was read: the ear of the
last was open to take in the truth; and the mind, being free from
prejudice, received the truth from the love of it. "Blessed are the
poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Lord
includes all such hearers as the one I have just described, in the
promised blessing.

"Take heed HOW ye hear." In speaking on this text so much comes before
my mind that it is difficult for me to stop. I must say something to
the unconverted sinner. The Lord says to you: "Repent, for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand." This means that you should turn away from your
sins and enter the kingdom of heaven. "Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return unto the Lord,
for he will have mercy upon him; and unto our God, for he will
abundantly pardon." And Jesus says: "Whosoever cometh unto me, I will
in no wise cast out." To come unto the Lord is to hear his Word with
full purpose of heart to understand it, see its truth, believe it and
obey it. I beg every unconverted person in this house to ask himself
just now: "How do I hear what the preacher has just now said? Do I
hear it with a thoughtless, careless ear? If I do, what is to become
of me? Can I bear to hear the voice from the judgment throne say:
'Depart, ye workers of iniquity, into everlasting fire'? Would I not
better 'seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while
he is near'?" O, that all might hear aright, repent and live, for with
the Lord there is plenteous redemption; and he is able to save to the
uttermost all who come unto God by him.

SUNDAY, September 6. Meeting at Turner's schoolhouse. William Miller