MEN CANNOT FIND GOD BY THEIR REASON.

"Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." Matt. II: 27.

THE first effect of sin in Adam was to make him try to get away from God. "Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden" (Gen. 3: 8). After Cain had murdered Abel, and Jehovah had set a mark upon him, he "went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod" (Gen. 4: 16). It was well for Adam that God called unto him; otherwise he would have departed farther and farther from God forever. Reason has been a traitor since the fall. Adam and Eve reasoned themselves into sin. "The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband, and he did eat" (Gen. 3:6). One effect of the fall was the entire perversion of the reason. Since then man's reason has been controlled by his wicked heart. This is fully described by Paul in the first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungod

liness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools; and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen" (Rom. 1: 18–32).

The Scriptures compare the imparting of the knowledge of God to the natural man to a new creation; making it the same as when light was created by the word of God. Paul says: "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus

the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4: 3). Christ says: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John 14: 6). "No man knoweth who the Son is but the Father; and who the Father is but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him" (Luke ro: 22). Without that knowledge there is no salvation. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begot ten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him" (John 1: 18). "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4: 12). Human reason could not have discovered this way of salvation: it universally rejects it when made known; and would continue to do so unless made willing by the Holy Ghost.

MEN NOT SAVED BY BELIEVING IN A CHURCH.

•In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7: 7).

"Ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition" (Mark 7: 9).

THE Visible Church, during the greater part of the time since its foundation, over three thousand years ago, has been idolatrous and infidel. And the greater part of it at the present time, is Antichrist. Not openly opposing Christ; but putting something in the place of Christ. Substituting their traditions for the Word of God; and exalting the mother of Jesus above Him. They are worshipping the works of their own hands, a wafer, images, relics, etc. With their greater knowledge of the Word of God, they are far greater sinners, and doing far more to oppose Christ, and His Gospel, than the leaders of the Church in the day of Christ; whom He denounces so fearfully; and whom he warns His disciples against. As is recorded in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew, and elsewhere, again, and again, Christ spoke kindly to publicans and sinners, and even to repenting harlots; but His anathemas against false teachers in the Church are most fearful. Believers in the Bible, are in many parts of it

warned against false teachers in the Church. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11: 13). The most fearful work of the Devil is his getting control of the Church through its teachers and leaders. Christ speaking of them, says: "Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in" (Matt. 23: 13). The Gospel can be carried to the heathen and they will receive it; but the followers of these false teachers cannot be approached. Forbidden by their priests, they will not listen to the Gospel, and are ready to kill those who bring the Gospel to them. Speaking of the Pharisees, who were offended by His sayings, Christ says, "Let them alone : they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matt. 15: 14). Speaking of those cities which would not receive the messengers of Christ, Christ said, "It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for them" (Matt. 10: 15; 11: 22, 24; Luke 10: 12-15). While there are some called of God, and saved, even in these lapsed churches,