No people ever lived more humbly, suffered more severely, persevered more patiently, or died more gloriously than did the ancient Waldenses who, in the valleys of Piedmont, preserved the pure light of truth that is our Baptist heritage. It was a joy recently to find this tribute to those martyred saints of other days, written by William Cullen Bryant.

    "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips," (Proverbs 27:2).
    He is a wise man who refuses to talk about himself. Seldom are others interested in listening to someone who puts himself on parade. Though your good deeds, your greatness and your fine attainments never become known, what difference does it make? God knows all about them! He will reward faithful service; is that not enough? Or will you insist on "having your reward" in this life?
    Someone has wisely counselled: "Think as little as possible about any good in yourself; turn your eyes resolutely from any view of your acquirements, your influence, your plans, your success, your following -- above all, speak as little as possible about yourself. The inordinateness of our self - love makes speech about ourselves like the putting of a lighted torch to the dry wood which has been laid in order for burning. Nothing but duty should open our lips on this dangerous theme, except it be in humble confession of our sinfulness before God".
    If a child of God must boast, it is always proper that he "boast in the Lord" and not in himself.

    By his strange request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit Elisha showed where his heart was, (2 Kings 2:9). He was not concerned for position, wealth, ease, honor, etc., but for a fuller life of usefulness in God's service -- for greater spiritual power. He had admired his master in his great work -- his zeal for God, his heroism, his intense earnestness -- and he wanted to have a double portion of the same spirit. Most of all he wanted to be a better man -- more useful and active in the Lord's work.
    Here is a good lesson for us. We ought to seek such qualities, graces and beauties that will make a noble character. The thing Elisha admired in his master was worth while, but we often imitate another man's weaknesses. Yet, Christ is a PERFECT EXAMPLE for us to follow. Each of us should DESIRE to be like Him. Any other model is unworthy. Yet, in His true followers may be found a reflection of His perfect beauty; this we may admire.
    Paul called on his brethren to "Be ye imitators of me", but this was as he followed the pattern set by the Master. And every parent ought to so live that his child, in imitating him, will be following Christ and becoming more like Him.
    Whether we desire it or not, we tend to become like those we admire and love. Therefore, it is of tremendous importance that we exercise great care in the bestowal of our affections.

"The greatest of men, without God, are nothing but dismal failures."

    "And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were DISOBEDIENT? And we see that they were not able to enter in because of UNBELIEF", (Heb. 3:18-19 ASV).
    The "disobedience" examined in this lesson is described in the Old Testament by such words as: "stubbornness, rebellion, revolting backsliding" and the "withdrawing of the shoulder" from bearing a load, (Isa. 30:1, 9-11).
    WHAT IS MEANT BY DISOBEDIENCE? This study is based on the usage of three Greek words in the New Testament: (1) "Apeitheo" -- "not allowing self to be persuaded .. refusing to comply or obey", (2) "Apeitheia" -- "obstinate opposition to the divine will", (3) "Apeitheis" -- "uncompliant, impersuadable, contumacious". According to general usage, the basic idea involves "a will not to believe ... a stubborn, willful and deliberate rebellion against God's Word or order".
    WHO IS INVOLVED? For centuries God stretched forth His hand unto Israel as a "disobedient and gain saying people", (Rom. 10:21; Isa. 65:2-5). Gentiles were once disobedient, but through Israel's disobedience obtained mercy; now it is possible for them to "stand by faith", (Rom. 11:30). Such asprofess to know God, but in works deny Him, are disobedient, (Titus 1:16; 3:8). In His divine wisdom God shut up all men "unto disobedience" that He might have mercy upon all, (Rom. 11:32). All of us were once disobedient "before the kindness and love of God ... were shed on us abundantly through Christ our Saviour", (Titus 3:3-6).

    HOW IS SUCH DISOBEDIENCE MANIFESTED? It is evidenced by a stumbling at God's Word, (I Pet. 2:7); by rejection of God's counsel to walk after the ways of this world, (Eph. 2:2); by disobedience to parents, (Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:1-2); by opposition to the Gospel and those who proclaim it, (Acts 14:2; comp. Rom. 15:30-31); by a contradicting of God's Word, (Rom. 10:21); and sometimes by an evident delight in leading others astray, (Rom. 1:32).
    WHAT IS THE END OF SUCH A LIFE? The Israelites were not permitted to enter into "rest", (Heb. 3:18; 4:6); and we are warned to "heed His voice" lest we "fall after the same example of disobedience"; (Heb. 4:11). God will ultimately turn away from those obstinately rejecting His Word. The disobedient of Noah's day perished in the judgment waters of the flood, (I Pet. 3:20). When the Jews at Ephesus were hardened and disobedient against the Gospel of the Kingdom, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, (Acts 19:9). Severe judgment is certain for such as "obey not the Gospel of God", (I Pet. 4:17; comp. 2 Thes. 1:7-10). Divine indignation and wrath await "children of disobedience" who "obey not the truth", (Rom. 2:8; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:5-11). And whoever refuses to "obey the Son" shall not see life, (John 3:36); disobedience is unbelief!
    HOW MAY ONE ESCAPE THE TRAGIC END OFDISOBEDIENCE? It is not necessary that one practice it. Paul "was not disobedient" to the heavenly vision received on the Damascus Road, (Acts 26:19; I Tim. 1:1216). Rahab, the harlot, did not perish with her disobedient neighbors; by a faith that was alive and

active she received the spies with peace, (Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25). God does not always give a person up on the first offense. He would prepare our hearts to receive His Son.
    John was sent to "turn the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just", (Lk. 1:17). Jesus died to save us from our sins. The Holy Spirit points the way for us -- leading in the right direction, and even reproving and rebuking when needful. Divine grace sustains us as we commit ourselves to the Lord and lean heavily upon His strong arm. The church "holds forth the word of life", calls sinners to re pentance and manifests the very life of Christ --- reflecting His glorious image as, by faith, we gaze on Him in the perfect beauty of His holiness.
    If YOUR life has been one of deliberate and willful rebellion against God's order; if YOU have persisted in an obstinate refusal to hear His word; if YOU have resisted the persuasion of His love, grace, mercy, forbearance and marbellous providences; then BEWARE lest sudden destruction come upon YOU! (Prov. 29:1). REPENT! Commit your way unto the Lord, and Live!

  What a pity that so many who live in the "land of the free" MAKE EXCUSE for not serving God!