"OBSCENITY" DEFINED

Isn’t it strange that when a small child knows what is "nasty" our Supreme Court Justices do not! Webster defines the word "nasty" as "obscene."

"Obscenity" is anything that appeals to the prurient interests of people: anything lewd, lustful, or appealing to the baser passions. Consequently, a person may be "obscene" in his or her dress, in their body movements, or even in their conversation.

Now, unless it is necessary to look in a garbage can to know what "garbage" is, it ought not be necessary to read a magazine or view a movie to know whether or not it is "Obscene. "

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are ...PURE... think on these things" and "Flee also YOUTHFUL LUSTS." --Philippians 4:8; II Timothy 2:22

Solomon Stoddard (1714) --"Some there be that do deny any necessity of the preparatory work of the Spirit of God, in order to a closing with Christ. If this opinion should prevail in the land, it would give a deadly wound to religion; it would expose men to think themselves converted when they are not.

"A man that knows that knows there must be a work of preparation will be careful how he encourages others (to believe) that they are in Christ; but another that is a stranger to it, will be ready to take all for gold that glitters and if he sees men religiously disposed will be

speaking peace to them; he will be like the false prophets, saying ‘Peace, peace, when there is no peace. ’

"So men will be hardened. It is a dismal thing to give men sleepy potions and make them sleep the sleep of death."

          Alexander Maclaren’s Expositions—USED –33vols. (66.)

THE MARRIAGE RING

Part IX

Where religion is wanting as the basis of the marriage union, the happy fruit of it cannot be expected. How sad! that from such sweet scenes, such lovely retreats of connubial love and domestic peace, to which learning, science, wealth, and elegance have been admitted. True Religion should be excluded! And that while many wise and interesting guests are continually welcomed to the house, He ONLY should be refused Who blessed the little family of Bethany!

Precious indeed are the joys of a happy, family; but oh, how transitory! How soon must the circle be broken up; how suddenly may it be! The ravages of death may at once separate and scatter them who have dwelt together! But True Religion will gather them together again.

To found our union on any basis which does not contain True Religion in its formation is to erect it on quicksand and to expose it to a thousand billows; each of which may over-turn the fabric of our comforts in a moment.

It is a pleasant reflection that domestic constitution depends NOT for its existence, its laws, its right administration, or its rich advantages either upon FAMILY POSSESSIONS, or the forms of national policy. It may live and flourish in all its tender charities and all its sweet felicities, and all Its moral power in the cottage as well as in the mansion; under the shadow of liberty, and even under the scorching heat of tyranny.

Domestic happiness, in many respects, resembles the manna which was granted to the Israelites in the wilderness: like that precious food, it is the gift of God which "cometh down from Heaven;" it is not to be purchased with money; it is dispensed alike to the rich and to the poor, and accommodates itself to every taste; it is given with an abundance that meets the wants of all who desire it. To be obtained, it must be RELIGIOUSLY sought in God’s own way of bestowing it; and is granted to man as a refreshment during his pilgrimage through this wilderness to the celestial Canaan.

-John Angell James-

Why Study the Lives of Men? Because MEN are what History is all about: Men effect Events; and Events Affect Men.

  A GUIDE TO THE VALUE OF A BOOK

 1.)Could I spend this time no better?

 2.)Are there better books that would edify me more?

 3.) Are the lovers of such a book as this the greatest lovers of the Book of God and of a holy life?

 4.) Does this book increase my love for the Word of God, kill my sin, and prepare me for the life to come?

-Richard Baxter-

SEPTEMBER

          "Sir," he answers, "I wish to do and be what God pleases!"