Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-06-03
Waiting for Fitness.

" ''Sioh' Sauseu MN 10 De looked upon as no
Tar from the kingdom of God. He was always ar
attentive nearer of the word, he was rarely alb
sent from the weekly prayer-meetns, and never
tailed when called upon to lend his countenance
and support to every good work. Had he made
profession of religion, none would have doubted
the propriety of his so doing. But communion
after communion passed, and he did not come for.
ward to unite himself with the people of God
AT length there came season of refreshing
from on high. 1t was supposed that James Al
len would be among the first converts. But such
was not the case, He was deeply interested in
all that took place, and was deeply anxious re-
specting his soul, but while one and another came
into the kingdom he remained without He was
a constant attendant at the meeting appointed for
those who desired special instruction respecting
the way oflile, but he seemed to make no progress
On several occasions, the pastor in his remarks
to inquirers had special reference to Allen, and
endeavored to set forth the way of life so clearly
that he could not fail to see it.. Still, to the
great disappointment and grief of the pastor, he
failed to make progress.
day to one of his elders, "and see if can find out
the obstacles which prevent his entrance into the
kingdom. | have erred in that have not seen
him before this, but thought he was so well in
stracted in the Truth, that all that was wanted
was the quickening influences of the Spirit"
81 guess you will find that he is going about to
establish righteousness of his own. told him
he would find it hard work"
~You have coHversed with him!''
81 have had few words with him several
times, but don't think can do him any good
am glad you are going to see him. should
have asked yon to do SO, had not seen that you
were doing all your strength would allow"
The interview between the young man and his
pastor took place in the field in which the former
was engaged in moving. His countenance indi-
Gated the habitual anxiety of bis soul. The pastor
noticed it, and after bidding him good day, quoted
the words of Christ: "Come unto me all We that
labor and are heavy laden, and will give you
rest" "You need rest, why not come to Christ
and receive t!"
81 have attempted to go to Christ, but have not
"What hindered you! Numbers around you
have gone to him and received rest to their souls
What is there in your way that was not in
theirs?"
al cannot speak for others; know there have
been difficulties in my way which have not yet
been able to overcome"
81 wish 20 to state fully what they are, that ]
may, if possible, aid you in surmountiDg Them
OF going to Christ were literal matter, that
is, if he were present in bodily form, and we
were told to go to him, it would not be difficult
matter to understand what we were to do, and to
oft. But the case is different. Going to Christ
is a spiritual act, and we need to know exactly
what it isl
%Your remark is true; it is all-important that
we know what it is to come to Christ MAY
ask you what you understand by coming to
Christi"
81 suppose it means that we should with peni-
tent and contrite hearts pray to him to forgive
our sins and change our hearts,
"What must be the nature of that pIayerl"
at must be sincere and fervent."
''No doubt; but it may be offered experiment
tally, with peradventurc that he will hear and
answer"
z %We must believe his promise
"That is, we must feel sure that he will do
what he says!"
eyes"
"Well, what has hindered you from coming to
Christ in that sense?'
II have not been prepared to come"
"What preparations have you lacked!''
81 have not been penitent for SIM"
"Do you not feel that you are sinner!"
eyes"
"And great sinner"
Eyes"
"And a justly condemned sinneri"
ayes"
"Why, then, are you not prepared to ask for
mercy?"
"Because have not sufficiently deep sense
of my sins.'
"You do not feel the remorse-the distress and
anguish of soul which you ought to feel
81 DO not"
'Does Christ anywhere fix the exact amount Of
mental distress, and the number Of tears to be
shed, which shall entitle man to pardon!"
"He requirs penitence.'
"True; but penitence and distsess are not iden-
tical.'
"Of course not
al am not fit to come to Christ, while my in
sensibility to sin is so great
"Do you think you would be fit to come to
Christ if the fountain Of your feelings were broken
up, and you could pour forth strong cries and
tearsr'
al should not be fit TO come to Christ, but |
should meet the conditions which he has laid
down"
..-"No, my young friend, you would not. He
has nowhere made it condition that deep dis
tress should be felt before one is authorized to
call on him for help. He came to seek and to save
those who are lost. All that he requires of man
is to feel that he is guilty and lost sinner He
is ready to hear every who cries from the heart
God be mercful to me a sinner. Is there any
other difficulty in your way!
GA man must break off from his sins by
before he can ask for pardon and
eff you wait till you break off from sin before
YOU 60 to Christ how lone will Won have IN uait1u