The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-05-25

to parad ise, is pretty sure either 10 hoax
MIN into self-deception, or TO make "a
him n crude hall-converted, self-indul-
gent professor TO the last. When the
deadly hurt of sin is salyed over, or
healed slightly" il breaks out again.
To endeavor TO bride sinners with the
offer of "happiness" before the heart is
right toward God. is a cruel deception I:
it is the surcst way to rob them of that
solid soui-health and purity ard holt
ness which alone can give enduring
peace.
Our blessed Master-who loved sin
ners infinitely more than we can-never
bribed men into discipleship. He in
vited them to come TO him, bat he
frankly told that unless they were will
ing TO deny themselves and take up the
cross and follow him, they could not be
his disciples. There was a magnificent
reward waiting for them at the ter
minus, but no palace-cars to carry them
there. The young ruler. who fancled
he might find one, and ride to heaven
like q gentleman, went away dis
gusled and disappointed. Brethren.
we are always safe when we copy our
blessed Master. So in dealing with the
unconvcrted and with the awakened
inquirer. let Us be honest with them.
and tell them that if their right hand y
b. fayOrite sin. the hand must come
off. The biggest devil in a sinner 3
heart is self. ard unless that greedy
devil is cast out, Christ can not and
vail not come in and flood the soul with
peace and joy and power What IS IL
but the subtle spirit OF self that would
seek to bargain with Christ for a safe
and "genteel" journey to heaven in a
palace-car?
The spirit Of indulgence eats like a
Caukcr into the life Of too many Of our
churches. IL leads them 10 choose as
their place of worship, not the one in
which they are most needed, but the
most prosperous one, IN which they
have the hghte-t load and most lux
uries. The wealth that ought 10 feed a
dozen feeble churches into Independence
ruus night down into the pool OF one
arlst0cratic church and stagnatcs
there. indulgence inquiries: 'WhO
breaches here : Is be eloquent? Is the
music fine And does tae best society
20 there p lnplain English this means.
Bride mc with a scat III the drawing
room car. and J will 20 with You. Self
INDULGENCE always goes to It's store
through storm. and hires a carriage
on the bitlerest night to 60 to a pleas
Ure party: but il leaves Chrlst's am
bassadors 10 preach 10 empty pews on
au UNPLEASANT Sabbath. The conduct Of
a vast portion Of Christ S prOfessed fol-
| lowers 4 fear majority Of tnem), ON
every wet or Indictment Lord Is day. is a
severe rcproach, aud works seyerer
damage TO our Christianity than the
ubaid assault Of a hundred lngersOils.
IL practically means: My religion
Will be worth heaven to me in eternity
but in this world 10 is not worth a little
exposure and discomfort.
Brethren and sisters, we have but one
Journey 20 make through this world.
/ Let Us make 10 on foot. helping up other
poor fcllOw-traveleIs as we 60 along.
Jesus VIII walk with is over the rug
eedOst paths Of sell-denial. and sweeten
every step. We shall have the best Of
company home missionaries who wear
old coats % give men new hearts: poor
neolle-women who give hard-earned
dollars 90 their Master: and rich men
also. Who give Christ the key TO their
iron safes and check books. Let us b.
in no worry TO get TO heaven. Tor "Ou
| Beloved So is with us on the road, and 80
are needed in This sin-cursei world.
when wo get to The celestial station
we will not find many who came there
i'm palace car.-The0dore l.. Cuyler
/ ID. d., in Workman.