The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-01-02
RELIGIOUS READING.
EARNEST EFFORT.

Whoever wishes to accomplish much mist
labor earnestly for the attainment Of his OBJ
ject Earnest effort is necessary in obtaining
riches. power, or learning. That degren oi
zeal which is productive of heartfelt, perse-
vering activity, is essential to the character
of those who would gain conspicuous place
on the records Of fame. 1t is equally impor-
tant to those who would become useful in al
leviating the Sutferings Of the poor and mis-
erable. True, phlantrophy prompts to un-
ostentious, yet sincere and untiring efforts %
promote the good of others. But, among the
multitudes who thrOng the busy thOrOughiare
of existence, none has more need OF an earn
est, persevering character than he who would
serve God. From the time when the mind first
determines TO seek freedom from the CALLING
bondage of sin, the course OF the faithful,
humble Christian is ever ''onward, anu UP
ward" 1t is his duty, following the exam
pie Of his Divine Master. to toll and perhaps
endure privation and suffering in his endeavor
to promote the spiritual welfare Of others. A
cold. inactive spiritual life is exceeding in
consistent in one who processes to be fol-
lower Of Christ. 1t proclaims to the worl!
(and thus does the world interpret its mean
ing that religion is not worth living Tor.
The great fault of such Christians does not
consist in not bclievingthe inestimable value
OF the soul, and the invaluable worth OF re-
ligion, but in not feeling. and in not showing
by their conhuct, that they realize the I'M
portance Of living for eternity person OF
this character does but little good. An active
Christian, on the contrary, however humble
his sphere may be. is frequently instrumental
in doing much good. ere required to
do more than they are able. but each should
be faithful in improving upon what talents
he may possess. All should live in obedience
to the divine command, "Let your light so
shine before men that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father which Is Id
heaven Such a course will SECURE the
favor of Jehovah while a contrary one eN-
poses the person who follow it to the woe
which is pronounced against thosewho "are
at ease in Zion"
Fellow-Christian permit me to inquire OF
you as an individual, Do you realize the i'm
portance Of earnest. preserving Christian ell
tort? If you do. may your heavenly Father
encourage and strengthen you to pursue the
narrow way which leadeth unto life If you
do not, o, look around you and behold the
myriads of your fellow beings. mortal and
immortal like yourself, with you redeemed
by the precious blood Of Christ destined with
you to stand before the same judgment seat.
and like you to exist in a state Of eternal
happiness or misery. Behold millions of i'm
mortal spirits cropping in the darkness OF
heathcusm and the various forms OF re-
ligious error which abound. Consider the
condition of mutitudes who are blessed with
the light of the gospel, and yet are making
no preparation for the close of their earthly
existence, and their entrance upon the
realities OF eternity. Remember that every
setting sun, every vanishing hour, and every
swiftly tleeting moment. is conducting you
nearer to the portals of eternity: and that it
is your duty to live while you hive. Reflect
upon these things and then ask your con-
science, the Holy Spirit. and the word Of God,
if the Lord OF the vineyard does not require
your efforts for the salvation Of these un-
dying spirits. Is not the happiness OF heaven
a reward which will amply comps nsate the
Christian for all that he can possibly do III
the service Of his Redeemer? If he could be
so happy as to meet one in the "land Of bright
spirits whom he can be instrumental in
wakening from the spiritual slumber OF sin.
and in inducing to seek the ''pearl of great
price," would not this alone be great re-
ward! May the lord help us to cease living
chiefly for this world. and to spend our time
and energies in preparing ourselves and
others for better.