New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-07-15
THE MoMENToUs CHOICE.


The Rsr. Dr. Wtiam 0Ti.ton at the Collegiate Reformed
The effect of the Summer retreat to the
country was plainly seen yesterday in the diminished at
tendance at the Collegiate Reformed Church, Fifthave
and Twentyninth-st. The aev. DR.. Ormston in the
morning. took his text from /. Kings xviii 81 II the
Lord be God, follow Him." The preacher said in sub
stance:
These words were spoken at a period of intense in
teres in the Jewish history, and applied to to-day,
show the necessity Of immediate decision in regard
TO religious life There are some who have decided
either for God Beia but the great mass is unde-
cided. Those composing it are thOughtess, care
have no special choice Of creed, and are classified
as Christians simply because they happen TO
fears of the future; but so FAR as convictions are
concerned, they seem TO be without God and without
hope In the world Some have gone far in their in
qure that they are in doubt as to the essential truths
Of Christianity whether there be future; whether
there be that evidence OF the forgiveness OF sns which
is 10y. There many dlcultes the restraints Of
the Gospel many and so strenuous; the pride OF
eide and are wrctched while in suspense. Others
convinced Of the reality OF religion, OF sin, and OF
coming Judgment. They believe and miserable.
They have said would / were a Christian" have
prayed and wept. but stu hold back their heart Some
besetng sin stands In the way. There may be few Of
another class, who, believing III the truth OF these
things, and sharing, it may be- in some OF the JOY Of
religion hesitate for some reason TO connect themselves
with the Church Of God There may be several reasons
for tins hesitatiOna fear OF falling away and bringing
disered the OF Christ; conscious unwOrIhess
their part; belief in the unworhness of many
who ia the Church. These are no reasons which can
be presented at the bar Of God.
II is very desirable decision should be made at
once. This is the most mement0us decision ever 20
be made All other things OF comparative unimpOrt
ance We can hardly find figure which will fittngly
illustrate the OF all earthly good. II there
be future state. all interests associated with
il all tins brief life Is only preparation for It, There
Is an old saying: II Will all be the same hundred
hence" SO tar the world Is concerned this Is
correct; far concerned II s false. The way
this Sabbath spent by will be OF the most vital i'm
pOrtance 70 us a hundred years hence. When we
leave this life viii only have begun TO live Is not
the decision possible Moses said 10 the Israees
" Life and death before you choose ye life
You choose. Freedom and option two things IL
is optional with whether shall God the
strongest claims are upon us TO do but the choice
may be made 1t has been made by multudes in the
past The choice is not 10 select God out OF multi
tude OF delties to select one OF various creeds is
only TO choose whether you will the God
will the world This decision is not only desirable
but Is necessary; IL will be made, whether Will
not II we do not voluntarily choose TO serve the
Lord to-day, tomorrow the decision may have been
made for us. All that shall ever know OF the re-
yealed word OF God we know now. There eau be no
other revelation, other Saviour, other sacrifice
other way. We know not that another opportunity
the choice Will be gwen. There Will come time when
II will no a LAT