The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-03-22
IF Not, Why Not ?
BY BISHOP RYLE.

l. Let me think about Sunday. This
IS the day that ought to keep holy. It
was the law of God from the beginning,
that men should give Him one day in
every week. This law Christ never al
tered. 1t is day in which I ought to
give up all worldly work and business as
lar as possible, and gave special attention
to my soul. The best men in every age
have always kept Gods day holy. It
has been found good for body, mind, and
soul to do so. Now, what do I do with
my Sundays? Do [ keep them holy Ii
not, why not?
2. Let me think about God. There is
One in heaven whose eyes are upon me
morning, noon, and night. He is most
holy: He cannot bear sin. He is a
searcher of heart: lie knows all think
and say, and do. He is of almighty
power; there is no escaping Him. He
Will be my Judge one day: I must
reckon with Him for all my ways. Now,
Is God pleased with my daily conduct?
Am l living like one of His friends? Do
try to please God? If not, why not?
8. Let me think about the Bible. God
has mercifully given me this Book to
make me wise unto salvation. 1t shows
me what to believe and what to do; how
to live and how to die. If I read it in
proper way, 1 cannot fail to find out
what L am, and what God is, and how to
get to heaven. The best men everywhere
read this Book, live by it, and find it
light in this dark world Now, what do
l do with my Bible? Do I read it at
all, and use it Alright? If not, why not?
4. Let me think about Jesus Christ.
He is the eternal Son of God, who came
into the world eighteen hundred years
ago to save sinners. He suffered for nv
SINS on the cross, and paid my debt to
God by His blood. He rose again on
the third day after his death, and went
up to heaven to be my Saviour. nv
Priest, and Friend. He has promised.
that all who trust in Him, and follow
Him as their Leader, shall have all their
sins pardoned. They shall have peace
and hope in this world while they live,
and glory, and perfect happiness in an
other world when they die. Now, do
trust In this Jesus Christi Are nv sins
pardonedS If not, why not "
8. Let me think about the HoZy Ghost.
L lind that He dwells in the hearts of all
who trust Christ and makes them trne
Christians. He can change mems hearts
aEer bad natures, cause old things to
pass away, and make all things new. +
find that He is ready and willing to do
all this, and that if people pray for the
Holy Spirit He will hear and come to
them. Now, have 1 the Spirit? Is nv
heart changed? Am 1 renewed and con-
verted? IF not, why not?
8. Let me think about Holiness II 10
the mark of all real Christians. Without
it no man shall see the Lord. Tt is Gods
special stamp on all His people. It NAV
be seen in their doing: they try hard to
do what God approves, both at home and
abroad. 1t may be seen in their bear
ing they try to be patient under all cir
cumstances. Now, do I know anything
OF this chaFacter2 Is there any holiness
about me? If not, why not?
7. Let me think about THin1s 10 Come.
1 shall die some day: I cannot live al |
ways. l shall rise again one dav when
am buried there will not be an entire |
end OF me. shall stand before the iudg-
ment-seat Of Christ one day if will not |
90 to his church / must not 20 to His |
bar. l shall 60 to heaven or hell for
ever and ever: there is no third place
to one Of the two | must 90 Now, am I |
ready for all this2 Am likely to 90 to
heaven when my turn comes to die Am
! pardoned, justified, converted, sancti-
fled, friend Of God, and fit to die? i'll
not, why not Tile Christian TTeoSuyu