The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1895-01-03
RELIGIOUS READING.
EARNEST EXPORT.

Whoever wishes b accomplish much must
labor earnestly for the attainment of his oh
gect Earnest effort Is necessary In obtaining
riches, power, or learning. That degree OF
zeal which IL productive OF heartfelt perse-
Nering activity l. essential 90 tho character
OF tnose VINO would gain conspicuous place
on the records ~ fame. II Is equally impor.
tant TO those who would become useful In al.
ieylating the suilcrngs of the poor and mis-.
erab,e. True, phiianirophv prompts TO un.
ostcntious, yet sincere and untiring efforts. %
promote the good of others. But among tho
multitudes WHO throng the busy thoroughiaro
Of existence, mono has more need of an cnrn
est petseverlnH character than he who would
serve God. From the time when the mind nrst
determines u seek freedom from the CALLING
bondage OF SIN. the course uf the faithful,
humble Christian U.s. ever coward and M.
ward IL Is his dity. following the eNnn-
PIE OF MS Diyiu" Master, 90 toll and perhaps
endure pr.va'iun aud suffering In his cndeavor
10 promote the spiritual welfare Of others. 4
cold, inuctiv" .piri'ual life IL exceeding In
consistent IN ou" who profrsscs To- he fol.
l'Wrr pi thr.et. II ptupliim- tu the world
(ahd thus does th" world interpret H. mean
iug.) that religion Is not worth living !ur.
lh' great fault IT such Christians does not
consist IN not l'liryinrt tho inustimHblo yaluc.
pi the soul, and the invaluable worth of re-.
lsiun. hut IN not feeling. Hnd ia not showing
hN th"r n'u"t. that thcy realize tn" i'm
h"rttuce Il living for eternity. person Df
this character dor- hut little good. Anartvo
lhuotinn, on ihr contrary, however humble
l'' ,there may h" 1, frequently instrumental
In doing much good. None are required To-
e." Muir tnan ihry ar" able. lut ouru should
l." faithful IN improving upon what talents
he may possess. All should tive IN obedience
- the divine command. Let your light SO
shin" before men that they may see your good
works and gioriiy your Father which Is in
hrhN"u. Such cpur-" will secure tho
favor of Jehovah, whiic contrary one cx-
poses the person who follow Il 10 ia" woe
WHEN i pronounced against those who "nro
at ou,c In Zion
t"How.Chfistian; permit mo 20 inquire Of
you Is an individual, Do you realize the i'm.
p"rtance OF earnest. preserving Christian ef-
lortt III you do. may your heavenly Father
encourage aul strengthen yuu 20 putsue tho
narrow way which irairth unto lifc.' II you
dp not, %, look AROUND You and hchpld the
W\r'aus of your fellow beings. mortal and
immortal like yourself, with YOU redeemed
10y the precious blood II Christ, destined with
YOU tp stand before the Same Judgment seat,
anu ike You 10 exist In a state OF eternal
auppinrss or misery. Behold millions of i'm
mortal spirits cropping in III" darkness ~
N'htnrnism nnd the various forms Of re-
'isipGo error which ah,und. Consider tho
condition Of muititud,- who nrc blessed with
th' Ugh, OF IN" gospel. and Yet are making
u preparation tor the close Il their earthly
"Ni-,'n,r, AID their cntranrn upon tn"
realities of eternity. Erm,mler that every
setting sun, every vanishing hour. aud very
NWiitiy ilecting moment j. conducting YOU
u"ai"r 10 the portals II eternity; and mat IL
l. your duty To- live while YOU live. Reflect
upon these tLiug- and then ask your con-
science, the Holy Spirit. and the word OF God.
II th" Lord OF the vineyard does not require
your Efforts for the salvation of thc-" uu-
lying spirits l. not the happiness OF heaven
reward which will amply comp, nsgtc the
Christian for all thHt hc can possibly do In
the service of his Rrdocmery II hr could he
- happy ~ q meet one la tn "laui Of bright
spirits whom he can bc Instrumental IN
wakening from the spiritual siumher Of sin,
and In inducing TO seek H." pearl Of great
price would not this u uuo los great re-
wardI May the lord help " 10 cease living
chiefly for this world. and 10 spend our time
and energies in preparing ourselves and
others fos better.