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I held a Bible reading at Mr. Joseph Ashby's one day, on the Lord's plumb line, which Elder Smith, the Disciple minister, his deacon, and some others attended. We had a very interesting study.
"Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more." Amos 7: 7, 8.
That the Lord will not pass by any more, shows that setting this plumb line in the midst of His people is the last work He will do for them. Those who are found in accord with the Lord's plumb line will be acceptable subjects of His everlasting kingdom; those who are not in harmony with it will be rejected. As a material plumb line tests material things, and points out their defects, so the Lord's plumb line will test the moral character of His people, and point out their defects. What can it be? What is wrong with mankind, anyway?---
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3: 23.
Do we all agree that sin is the trouble?--- Yes. Well and good. Now, what is sin?---
"Whosoever commiteth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1John 3: 4.
Do we all agree that sin is the transgression of the law? The Scriptures declare it, and we cannot deny it. Since sin is the transgression of God's law, and as sin is the only fault or defect in mankind, whatsoever makes sin known must be the plumb line. I see all are agreed upon this point, and now we will inquire, By what is sin made known?
"For by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3: 20.
Is there any other way by which sin is known?---No; for Paul declares, |