​September 15

Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you — 2 Cor. 6:17.
 
Those who conscientiously live separate from the world in spiritual matters, and recognize as brethren only those who confess to circumcision of the heart and adoption into God's family, will find themselves opposed by moralists, liberalists and higher critics, as well as by the masses, who hate the light, because it condemns their darkness—doctrinal and otherwise. Nevertheless, this is the only good and safe course to pursue. Better far is it that only true Israelites should be recognized as brethren, and thus the true wheat be separated from the tares—Z '99, 203 (R 2510).
 
It is God's will that His people be separate from all obligations to, and co-operation and sympathy with, institutions and practices that are of Satan's control and spirit. This would imply separation from the communion and spirit of all people who are servants of Satan, whether knowingly or unknowingly so; and as far as possible separation from association with them. Thus we largely avoid the contamination of any unclean thing. What if it does make us at times walk alone? We may at least comfort ourselves with the reflection that the Lord had the same experience before us, and that God receives and companions us. Such acceptance and companionship compensates all losses—P '32, 136.
 
Parallel passages: Num. 16:21, 26; Ezra 10:11; Psa. 50:5; Prov. 9:6; Isa. 8:11; 52:11; Jer. 51:6, 9; Acts 2:40; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; Eph. 5:11; Rev. 18:4.

Hymns: 196, 213, 226, 299, 303, 305, 145.
Poems of Dawn, 200: Sweet Day of Rest.
Tower Reading: Z '15, 230 (R 5737).

Questions: Did the cleansing work proceed in me this week? How? With what results?

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SWEET DAY OF REST

I KNOW some day my Lord will come,
And stand within my humble home,— ​
His glorious presence in the room
Will make it like a rose in bloom.

His voice, like music on mine ear,
Will banish every thought of fear,
He'll fold me closely to His breast
And there in peace I'll sweetly rest.

And, oh, my Lord, on that sweet day
I know the words that Thou wilt say,
"It is enough, my child, come home,
thy work is done, beloved, come."

Then I'll arise and go with Thee
Across the shining, crystal sea,
Until we reach that blissful shore
Where we shall dwell for evermore.

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