The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-11

how mean and contemptable your life had been. You then and there said to yourself: "I will quit my sins I will stop drinking and swearing and Sabbath breaking and all my evil thoughts and deeds. Yes, l will, even if have to cut off my right arm
 Each January we all make fresh resolu- tions. Some years ago I preached a ser mon called New Years Resolutions" made up that sermon from the answers I received from friends whom I met Ev- cry one l would aecost with this same sentence, What is your New Years res olution?" Some would say this, some that and some the other thing. But many answered me thus: "I have not got any. l have made so many New Years resolu- tions In the past and broken them that l do not intend to make any more" But l did not then and do not now believe they were telling the truth. l do not be- lieve there is a man or woman or child who now approaches New Years day who does not make some new resolution. But the trouble is after you have made your New Years resolution you go out in your own strength and try to battle With your old temptations, and then you are flung again and again. But, my brother. this year Is going to be differ ent year from all others. You know your weaknesses and failures. You know you cannot win a spiritual success in your own strength. Therefore you are ready to consclentiously ask God to help you in the struggle of life. He will do it. Yes he will give you the divine strength which will never, never fail. Cling to him, my brother Cling to him as Jacob wrestled with the angel in prayer, and he will bless you and never let you fall.
 But I bethink myself that there is something for which to congratulate the praying band of Christian workers who surround me, and also for the repentant man and repentant woman. You came Into this church today indifferent to the Lord Jesus Christ. You have now sur rendered your heart to him. You came into this room practically an enemy of the cross. You are now buckling on the ar mor to join our gospel ranks and to be- come one of our Christian comrades We have read how the French king sent forth Marshal Ney with the royal troops to capture Napoleon after lis escape from the Island of Elba. When the sol diers came in sight of the unarmed and dethroned ruler Napoleon, instead of run ming, turned and threw back the lapel of his coat as he cried, 'Men, will you shoot your emperor" With that Marshal Ney threw down his sword at Napoleon 8 feet, and all the soldiers began to weep and cry. Long live the emperorl" And the soldiers who went forth to capture a pretender to the throne returned to Paris to drive Louis Philippe out of the Tuiler- ies That was dramatic. But today a more dramatic scene Is taking place with in the walls of this church. You came here an enemy of Jesus Christ You today are going to- join with us and fight for the Divine Master. Oh, shall we not cheer2 Shall we not praise God for your advent to our company? Shal we not look upon your re-enforcement as a presage for us of happy ney year?
 Brother and sister in Christ, the work before the church is stupendous. This gospel battle is to be no childs play. We have welcomed you into our ranks in the name of Jesus. Now close up the ranks, Now kneel, and make one earnest, in tense prayer before we start on our new gospel campaign Now, are you ready? | Forward in the name of our Captaini Forward against the citadel of sin! For ward for the redemption of our loved ones! Forward to capture Chicago for Christ! Harvard, marchl Forward march