The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-20
FIDELITY IN CHRISTIAN WORK.

rem to be "steadfast, unmovable, al
ways Astounding in the work of the
Lord" To be steadfast is to be fixed
and resolute in purpose, and stands
opposed to all Inconsistency and ire
solution. To be u.movable, is to be
so firmly placed in one position as
not to be moved from it by any
change of purpose or affection of
passion or prejudice. We should not
only be steadfast now, but we should
be so fixed, rooted, and grounded in
that steadfastness as to be incapable
of being turned aside by any opposi-
ton that may arise. tits a question
we'll worthy of the attention of every
believer in the Gospel of Christ,
whether he does not, more than he
appreciates, need determination of
purpose and an unyielding constancy
of devotion to the interests of the
cause of the Redeemer. In ancient
times there were those who began
the Christian course with zeal and
apparent earnestness, but were soon
enticed by their friends or awed by
their enemies, if not into actual
apostacy, yet into silence and mac
tivity, because they were tickle in
mind and lacked that steadfastness
which the apostle SO earnestly re-
commended. Of this fact the Saw
Jour warned his disciples in his par
ables and in his more plain and ex-
plicit teachings. He sets it forth
under the figure of the seed that fell
upon stony ground, and forthwith
sprang up, but soon withered and
died, because it had no depth of
earth. He also named them in plain
language, that mems hearts should
fail them for fear" that "the love of
many should wax cold" and they
should turn back from his words.
These prophetic warnings were full
filled in the days of the apostle; and
hence he says to the Galatians: aye
did run we'll; who did hinder you?"
He marveled, also, that they should
SO soon fall from their faithfulness,
and turn back to the ''beggarly ele-
ments of the world"
If such was the state of things in
those early days, when the word was
preached in demonstration of the
spirit and of power, and attended by
signs and miracles and wonders,
which God wrought in its confirma-
ton; if, under such circumstances,
men were fearful and inconstant and
recreant to duty, it need not be mat
ter of surprise if now there should be
found those who will engage in the
Masters service with apparent zeal,
and when the hour of trial or temp
tation comes faint and fail, and turn
their backs upon the cause that, but
yesterday, they embraced with SO
much earnestness. Human nature is
the same in all ages; and when we
reflect upon the causes that now con-
spire to draw men aside from a pro-
fession of Christ, as the Saviour of
the whole world, the true cause of
surprise is, not that there is occasion
ally an inconstant soul, who is dis
couraged and turns back, or becomes
idle and irresolute, but that there are
not more instances of the kind.
But the wise and prudent man,
when he goes to build tower, will
sit down soberly and consult whether
he hath enough to finish it. He will
calculate with certainty that his pro-
fession will expose him, in some cases,
to the scorn and contempt of men, to
the GOODNESS of friends and the malice
of enemies, and, having made up his
mind to meet all these, he will not be
surprised or afraid when they come.
He has examined for himself, and
he knows in whom he has believed,
and why he believes. He feels the
importance of his religion, not only
to himself, but also to his children
and the world at large; and, though
enemies may rage, and friends entice,
and discouragements come and per-
secutions frown and menace him with
destruction, he still stands there, as
tower of strength, firm as solid rock,
steadfast and unmovable beyond the
power of temptation or the fear of OPP
position. He knows that success in
any cause is not the reward of fiery
zeal, that beams with vehement heat
for day, or an hour, and then is cold
again. 1t is not to be found in
cowardly spirit of compromise, which
would sacrifice truth and honesty for
a smile from an enemy or momen-
tary triumph over him. Nor will he
conceal his light under a bushel,
through fear that it's shining may
og1l Al $50 - I,x,o IL Aakko.