When a man becomes indifferent, or falls into such a state as not to care what is taught, he is measurably beyond the reach of all instruction, for he places no value upon instruction. When the gospel of our Lord was first spoken, it moved the souls of those who heard it, and caused them to act most energetically either for or against it. This was because they cared for public sentiment, and were deeply concerned about what was taught. They were really conscientious and felt highly responsible for all their actions. But how different where this feeling of responsibility is lost? The most awful consequences may be referred to, the most terrible appeals may be made, and the most powerful inducements may be placed before them, but Galio like, they are all unheeded and unappreciated. In this case, conscientiousness, if not even consciousness itself, if not entirely lost, is so greatly diminished as entirely to cease to perform its office. This state of indifference is not confined to the world alone, but has long since entered the precincts of the church. It is in the way of every meeting, of every ordinance, of every discourse, and of every good work. Those under its influence are ever ready to drawl out, “It is of no use”—“it can’t be done”—or, “I do not care anything about it.” Sometimes it is evaded, by objections or some fault being found. How perfectly disheartening all this is to those who desire to do good, and carry forward the conquest of a great and glorious cause. How few there are who can properly press the claims of christianity, knowing that such an irresponsible and indifferent state of feeling prevails. It is hard to manifest a becoming zeal in the midst of such a state of apathy. Yet he who rightly reasons upon the cause of our Lord, and keeps the subject ever present in his mind, must be moved forward. He can not be discouraged, cowed down, nor deterred. He is invincible in his course. The spirit that burns in his breast is unconquerable. The more he has to contend with, the more grace and ardor of soul he seems to possess. He looks to Jesus, who for the joy set before him, endured the contradiction of sinners, even unto the death of the cross, and yet overcame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. He asks the question: Why did our Lord make the good confession before Pontius Pilate? Why did he yield to the ignominious death of the cross? Why did the holy apostles suffer as they did? Why did the first christians wade through floods and flames? Why were they bathed in tears and blood? Why all their zeal and perseverance under all this? Because they endured, by faith seeing him who is invisible. They looked forward to the recompense of reward. They held daily and spiritual communion with God. Their hearts were in heaven, whence, also, they looked for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.