after excitement, for the simple reason that they are satisfied at home.
I need scarcely remark what a rich reward such parents reap for their
painstaking, and how deeply thankful they should be, if the Lord so bless
their efforts as to make what some call the tightness of the line never
felt by those who are gently guided by it.
CONCLUSION.
BUT while these practical suggestions may be helpful to some who are
doubtful as to their practical conduct, it is important for us to
remember well that the root of conformity to the world is not found in
those practices which lie on the surface, but in the deep affections of
the natural heart; so that whatever rules we adopt we are conformed to
the world when we are living for the things of the world. We found at
the outset that the men of the world are described as those who have
their portion in this life. So we are conformed to the world when the
portion in this life is the great end and object of our pursuit. Turning
to the epistle of St. Paul to Titus we find that the grace of God which
bringeth salvation is to have a twofold effect on the character. It is
to wean, and to attract. The weaning process is described, when he says,
‘Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;’ and the
attractive power in the words, ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ Now
we must not suppose that by the word ‘lust’ is meant only sensuality. It
is the old English word for desire. Thus, worldly desires, or desires
after the world, are placed side by side with ungodliness, and both are
to be denied by those who know the grace of God which bringeth salvation.
Here lies the root of the matter. If the affections are still fixed on
the world, and the desires bent on it, it is in vain to tell a man that
in practice he shall not be conformed to it. Where his treasure is there
will his heart be also, and where the heart leads the way, the steps are
almost sure to follow. If, therefore, the affections be fixed on the
friendships of the world, and the desires are bent on the good things of
the world—its wealth, its honours, its popularity, its applause, its high
positions, we must expect that questions which arise in practice will be
referred, not to the balance of the sanctuary, but to the balance of the
world; and it is hopeless to look for any decided line of action. But
this must not be the case with the children of God. If we be in Christ
we know the grace of God which bringeth salvation; we have been redeemed
unto God by the precious blood of Jesus; we are sealed unto Him by the
Holy Spirit of Promise, we are kept as His purchased possession until the
day of His return: we are looking, waiting, hoping for that happy time
when He shall take the kingdom, and all these earthly things pass away
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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