The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-29

THE DIFFICULTY about running the
Christian race with most people is that
they do not cut deep enough A part of
the price is held back, and hence there
Is perpetual state of dubiety. The
theory of religion is plain enough. 1t is
very simple formula-"I am a sinner
wish to be saved accept Jesus Christ
as my Saviour" That is the whole of it.
Why, then, do so many doubt whether
they are Christians? The difficulty is at
the word accept" Many spend years
trying, as they express it, to be Chris
tan. Many others, who are really con-
verified, spend their lifetime bemoaning
that they are in doubt on the subject,
and realise no assurance of salvation. 1t
is because they do not plough deep
enough. They accept" Christ, but what
do they mean by that?
We understand what Paul meant when
ne cried, Lord, what wilt thou have me
to do?' We know what he meant by
this question by what he did afterwards
He made an unqualified surrender-he
made thorough Job Of it. "What wilt
thou have me to do?" Not, Hon little
must [ do?' "What is the minimum
amount of religion that may take on 2
But, WHAT Merely indicate, and
move" We know how Paul moved. 1t
was not perpetual effort to lower the
standard of Christian duty, nor a per
petual dallying with this doubtful point
and another, nor an attempt to drag the
world along after him. He cut entirely
loose, he freed himself by one resolve
from everything that could impede his
new departure
The person who entertains the thought
of being Christian ought to understand
once for all, that he has got to break
with the world. He has got to give II
up. If he cannot get his consent to this,
then his acceptance" of Christ is imper-
feet. We remember the case of the young
man who had great possessions; Christ
touched the innermost chamber of his
heart, when he said, eco sell all, and
give to the poor" Oh, he was so anxious
to take his wealth along with him, he
was so anxious to follow Jesus in his
chariot and with his retinue of worldly
pomp. But, Not cannot be-you must
give up all" And the rich man now,
who is taught that there is no harm in
riches, ought distinctly to understand
that this is subject to one condition
namely, that he holds his possessions for
the glory of God, Do you do it? Do
you understand that there are millions of
perishing souls for whom Christ died,
which you might save by pouring out
your treasures for his sake? Are your
daughters spending their hundreds and
their thousands in dress when the dark
places Of the earth are holding up their
hands and calling upon you to send them
the messengers of salvation
But we have no special reference to
the rich. The poor have their tempta-
tions-temptations to follow unlawful oc-
equations, temptations to secure by ir-
regular practices bread for their children,
temptations to envy, discomfort, and i'm
patience; and it is as hard to be poor as
it is to be rich.
Others are lured by ambition or pleas
ure.
Every man and every woman has his
or her darling programme Of life, and it
is right here with that man or that wo-
man that the struggle will occur. All
but-that.
Now that too must go. We mean if it
blocks up your Christian course.
Is it too much if Christ has died for