Imatges de pàgina
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condition, when you are aware that the question is one of right or wrong, is to be miserable. You know that. We all know that. When the struggle is over, and we can say, "Well, come what will, I will do, God helping me, the right thing," then light breaks in upon the soul. And this we may be sure of, my dear young friends,that when such a resolve is really made, we shall have Divine assistance to enable us to carry it out. Depend upon it, God will never forsake those who honestly and earnestly endeavour to do their duty, by giving themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and by taking up their cross to follow Him. They may have to "rough" it a little: probably they will. What is the meaning of bearing a cross, if we are to have everything smooth and pleasant? But they will find in the end that "wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

from others

sion procures

And I ask you to remember the respect The respect from others which you are sure to obtain, if which deciyou are resolute and consistent. Of course, for us. the world opposes itself to all true faith in Christ. As it was in the beginning, so it

is now,

and so it will be to the end of time.

C

You may be laughed at, sneered at, on account of your religion. But what of that? Do you expect to escape all inconvenience if you are Christ's? Your Master Himself was laughed at. The Pharisees, who were covetous, derided Him. Cannot you bear a little for Christ's sake? Yes: : you may have something to go through; but believe me that, after a time, when people see that you are genuine and true,—that you are trying to act up to your profession,—they will be sure to respect you. Years ago a young man, whom I knew well in his later life, went out as a cadet to India. He was then a decided Christian; but he found when he came to his destination that he stood quite alone: that amongst all his brother officers there was not even one who knew what true religion meant. Well, for some time, the young cadet had a bad time of it. Every species of petty persecution was tried upon him. He was alternately ridiculed and cajoled. He was harassed and annoyed in every conceivable way; but at last, after about six months, his persecutors, finding that he stood firm, and would not abandon his convictions,-just let him

alone. And not only did they let him alone, but if any of them were in trouble or sorrow, they came for help and sympathy and advice to the despised "saint," not putting any confidence in their godless companions. They laughed at him, but they respected him. So will it be with you.

I pray you, then, my young friends, be Be decided. decided. Take the step which you know to be the right step, and take it at once. Give yourselves to Christ, or rather-for you are His already-recognise His ownership of you. You belong to Him. Believe that you belong to Him, and act accordingly. Decision will bring untold blessings to you. Ay, and more than this, the decision of the present moment may, for aught you know, involve the happiness of your eternity. There is a "now or never" in the affairs of men. Who can tell that you will ever have another chance of turning to the Lord? Certain I am that you will never have such another chance as this. "Now is the accepted time, and now is the day of salvation." Just stop and think, for more souls are lost from want of thought than by anything else. Is there not some one thing which holds you

An objection and the answer to it.

back from Christ? If so, give it up. Christ calls upon you to give it up. Don't be like the young man who would not surrender his wealth when commanded by Christ to part with it, and who probably lost his soul by the refusal.

I know what you say, you say, “Oh, it is such a wrench." So it is. You cannot make the effort in your own strength; but God is ready to help you. If you had yourself only to depend upon, of course you would fail. But God will strengthen you, if you will cry to Him. God will enable you to throw everything aside, and to choose Christ, and to choose Christ now.

Believe this, and ask Him to help you.

III.

A HIGHER STAGE.

WHEN you were a little child, you were brought to church by your parents, and there baptized. Certain persons, called "sponsors," were present on the occasion, and took part in the service, promising for you, what you were unable to promise for yourself, that you would be Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto your life's end. Since that time you have been, doubtless, carefully instructed in the Christian faith; and, amongst other things, have learnt to understand the meaning of that Baptismal promise, which was then made in your behalf. And more than this, you, for your part,-it is to be hoped,have not failed to profit by the instruction you have received, and have endeavoured to live such a life as becomes a youthful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now-the Church to which you belong comes forward

Your Baptism.

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