The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-11-14
STEPPED ASIDE"

WOru Dy WHICH 10 Io0oiueu Iva 80 -N' W.
fall of Judas-that long, long fall which Cal
ried him from the presence and fellowship
the Son of God, frem the society and CON
panionship of the grand apostolic band, Wit
nesses for Christ, and hurled him, broken ant
shattered in body, mind, and SOul-Whither
We know not. God knows, and these word
we're uttered for his ear "Thou, Il rd, wht
knowest the hearts of all men, show who shal
take part in this ministry and apostleshiE
from which Judas by transgressiOn fell, thai
be might 60 to bis own place"
Literally the word "transgression,' reads
"stepped aside" Judas fell by stepping
aside.
There are many paths in thia world that
are easy to walk in they wander on amid
plains, fertile valleys, and rneadOwa "Step
ping aside" out of such paths one may wan
der at will, pluck fowerS, listen to birds,
daily with soft breeEes, and then step back
again luIO VIC Olu ulSuHoy'
But encompassing the valley are noun
tain heights soaring to the heavens; m'J ss-
tic, serene, we'll nigh unattainable; sources
of strength and beauty To stand on these
SUBMITS is to gaze off into visions of immen-
sity to breathe air of crystal purity; to feel
the thrill of expanding powers Of mind and
body; is to exist in higher state than can
be conceived of by the plodder in the valley.
What wonder, then, that all who gaze up
ward wish and long to be there?
How about these upward paths !? Are they
broad and easy p? or is there danger in the
ascent? 1t is toilsome labor to climb noun.
tains. The paths are narrow, difficult, and
often fesrfully dangerous even when trod un,
der the direction of trained and skilful
guide. There can be no lettering, no un
guarded moments, no "stepping aside. -
Few summer travellers return from the de.
lights and excitements of an ordinary A Alpine
tour but have had personal experiences close
ly allied to danger and to death. And when
the tourist, leaving familiar routes, presses
higher still on foot, the difficulties and dan
gers increase; his, feet must be shod with
iron, his waist must be bound by tsut ropes
to guides before and behind; and as he slow
ly advances he can make no Independent
movement that might imperil other slRes than
his own.
"The line which separates the difficult
from the dangerous" says one of the most
daring and successful Alpine climbers, sis
sometimes very shadowy, but it is not an
imaginary one. 1t is real line, without
breadth. 1t is often easy, to pass agd very
hard to see. 1t is sometimes passed NncOn
SciOusly, and the consciousness that it is
passed is felt too late"
He thus describes one such critical mo-
ment: "Our two guides were far apart and
invisible to each other from the mist, spec
tral even to us who were tied at intervals of
a few feet between them. But the strong
man who lead could be heard by all, hewing
out each step, while every now and then q
voice from behind pierced the cloud: Slip
not, dear sirs /! place we'll your feet; stir not
until you are surei' While stepping from
one foothOld to another, staggered for
moment. had not really lost my footing,
but the agonizing cry in which the guide be
hind, on seeing me waver, exclaimed, slip
not, sir gave me an idea of the danger Of
my position"
Such are the paths from which to step
aside" is to return no more for ever.
As we heard and read descriptions of these
scenes in nature, We better understand such
fall as that of Judas, and of many others,
who since his day have stood in high places,
and by one false step have fallen. 1t may
seem hard to have such interests involved
with every act of ones life; but they who
would aspire to climb must be prepared for
risks and peril; and they who would stand
above their fellows, and carve their names
high on the SUBMITS of moral Alps, must
watch and guard each step. The advice
given to ambitious mountaneers applies 80
we'll to every aspirant for honor, that it may
we'll be pondered: "CIimb if you will, butre-
member that courage andstrength are naught
without prudence, and that a moments neg
ligence may destroy the happiness of life
time. Do nothing in haste, look well to each
step, and from the beginning thirk what may
be the end. "-Ghristian Weekly.