Plain Words for Christ, Being a Series of Readings for Working MenDutton, Reginald G.
Religion
Plain Words for Christ, Being a Series of Readings for Working Men
Dutton, Reginald G.
Christian life; Religion
We have thought together upon life and death; upon humility and
self-denial, those "two graces peculiarly Christian." I have spoken of
our duties to our parents and to our children respectively; of work of
various kinds on earth, and of rest in our Father’s kingdom. And now,
reader, that it is almost time for us to part, let us "gather up the
fragments that remain, that nothing be lost[#]."
[#] S. John vi. 12.
Have you learnt anything, do you think, that you didn’t know before,
from the words of this book? Are you any nearer to your Father’s house
than you were when first you opened it? Has the Bible seemed in any
degree more precious to you, or has it in any way increased your regard
for the things of the Spirit, and the peace that passeth understanding?
If these, or any of them, have been attained, I have gained my object.
If this book has in any way put before you the old, old story in a new
light, then my purpose has been accomplished, my work is done. But if
there is any one who rises from reading this book, feeling still
careless about God, or holiness; if there be any who, like Felix of old,
intends to put off repentance to a more convenient season, which season
may never come, let me earnestly beg of him in these last words to
repent, ere it is too late.
The present time is yours--the future is God’s. And remember that you
must give up sin _entirely_ if you would be a follower of Christ. Don’t
rest content, as I well know too many do, with being no worse than
others. Don’t go with the multitude to do evil. Christ wants you to
try and be better than others, and not as good or bad as they.
Set a high standard before you, even the standard of the God-man
Himself. Rise higher than the low standard aimed at by those around
you. "Rise higher--learn from Christ, Who was lifted up, how to draw
all men unto you, learn to think for them, to feel for them, to work for
them, to suffer for them." And oh! don’t think such occupations as
these will make you a gloomy man, or a dull companion. "Rejoice, O
young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy
youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine
eyes: but know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into
judgment[#]."
[#] Eccles. xi. 9.
Arise then, young men, in the strength which your God has given you. Go
forth and shew the world and your fellows what true manliness and
self-control will do for a man; enjoy life, but use it and don’t abuse
it, and so "be faithful unto death," and you too shall receive "a crown
of life[#]."
[#] Rev. ii. 10.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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