Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-12-08
Don't Halt.

1t is the first step that costs. When the
lsraelites came up to the Red Sea, the com
mand Of God was. Speak 10 the children
Of Israel, that they 90 forward" But how
The Jewish leader might well cry ont, " We
have no feet TO bear us over. Go forward :
But, Lord, we can not ford the gulf before
us. Go forward Wouldst thou have us,
Lord, to perish in the billows 2" Still the
same answer comes. Speak to the children
of Israel, that they go forward The com
mand is peremptory II admits of no de
lay. And just as soon as Israel goes forth
in obedience TO Jehoyahs voice, 10 the
waves part asunder, and the mighty oaval-
cade marches through, dry shod Unhesi-
ta,iug obedience to God always ensures a
blessing.
Here is lesson for halting inquirers. 70
you comes the command Of God, Go for
ward" Death is behind you. Hell fol
loweth hard after You. There is no saliva
tion in retreat. Heaven lies before you, not
behind. No man ever saved his soul by re,
lapsing into indifference. II you give up,
you are lost.
Flst-Perhaps you say, q" have prayed
many times already, and no blessing has yet
come" Will you cease 10 pray, then VIII
that bring an answer As well might a
voyager TO Liverpool, when one hundred
miles from port, put about his helm, and
steer back To New York he is almost there
why does the foolish man retreat? How
many a soul has quit praying when the door
of mercy was just about opening. Go for
ward.
Second-Another is kept back by fear OF
ridicule He can not stand laugh. There
is sneer waiting for him at his fathers
table, or a cutting sarcasm in his counting
room. lie wayers before il. lie winces
under the slightest word, and imagines ter
rible things in store for himself. Go for
ward the sea will open unto you, and so
will many a heart, to cheer you on. You
will inspire respect in the very quarters
from which you now expect opposition. lie
is q weakling who is pushed back with a
straw.
7Abd-A third person complains Il am
in the dark ! cannot see my way Then
90 forward, and get out of the dark. The
determination 10 do your duty will be at
tended by a luminous discernment of the
path Of duty. God will show you the way
only go forward, looking for the cross.
FomfL-Unbelief draws back fourth.
There is only one way 10 conquer doubt. 1t
is TO believe. Then, instead Of halting and
shivering in an ague-ft of indecision, take a
bold, decisive step. End the torturiug un-
certainty by going forward, "looking to
Jesus"
The only way to do a thing Is to do 1t.
God gives strength 10 the obedient, lie
has no promise for towards, or double
minded, yacilating doubters. lie bestows
grace ON those who try 10 do their duty
His grace is all sufficient for you. The
deepest sea of difficulties will divide its wa
ters for your advancing footsteps just as soon
you determine to obey that voice which says
TO you, " Go forward" The moment of ruin
to Lots wife was the moment in which she
halted. A steady pushing on toward Zoar
would have saved her life. As soon as an
awakened soul stops to parley with tempta-
tion, or to cayil at some Bible doctrine, or
for some other reason, the Spirit Of God is
grieved. The great majority of uncongerted
persons in our congregations have, at some
time in their lives been under serious con-
yictions, and halted. Death will not halt.
Time halts not one instant Dear friend, il
you halt one step this side Of Jesus, you
must perish outside OF heavens gate, Don't
halt, or else the same bell which now rings
for you a glad invitation, will toll the knell
of your lost soul ~. J.. Cuyler.