The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1906-12-28

also 10 be ready 10 stand firm and
valiant for the truth until righteous
ness shall prevail the Christ was
| pre-eminently faithful. His was the
| incorruptible devotion TO the de-
mands of duty which should be the
| ideal OF us all. TO Him W. must turn
! do We wish 10 see the ideality OF ser
vice. From Him must we learn would
We get the wisdom that shall gain us
! our ambitions goal. Sitting ar the
feet of the Master do We enter into
knowledge Of a fine fidelity which
commands respect.
Earnestness, intenseness. direct
ness, faithfulness these are the four
words that point the lesson for us
now. To Christians and 10 the Christ
| less souls OF the universe of God, the
| Saviour is the interpreter of the
salient qualities that are necessary
| for lite's successes. He IL is who
! illustrates and objectifies for MS what
| our lives should be.
The need for these cardinal virtues
was never more evident or well voiced
than in this day. In the world OF
business thev are no less needed tan
in those religious spheres where
! moral and spiritual Nerities are up-
4
else OF these qualities that make for
manly might is everywhere apparent.
To the man who would attain busi-
ness predomuance and commercial
power they are Invaluable and indis-
pensabls. Deduct the moral crim-
inality which has made possible the
success OF many of the industrial and
fiua nciaI leaders OF our dav and the
| fact that their influence is largely
based Mpon indomitable pluck and
energy and dutifulness still outstandS
all else. Backbone and push ave
been the reason for the rapidity In
advancement of throng. 4 clean
bulls eve gains applause for the man
with the hand and the true sight.
DirectneSS brings To man the con-
tdence of the crowd. Half-heated,
poorly fired, swaving, swerying. ir-
resolute men without sense or sand
enough TO be true 10 anything for
any considerable length of time new
or reach the top. never attain. never
are lifted 10 place OF power. The
world has small use for moral weak
lings or men without spunk and
grit. at the front.
These characteristics which we
have denominated as among the dis
tinguishing features i'm the Christ $
career are most essential, however, to
the man who would reach the highest
usefulness and be most "A blessing in
the world. Needful as these quail
ties may be 10 those who would be
famed for physical and material
achievement they are still more re-
quisite for those who desire spiritual
graces. Especially are they compul-
sorry and mandatory for those who
have not acknowledged Christ and
would wish to call Him Lord. The
souls restoration depends entirely
upon the willingness of the sinner to
seek salvation earnestly and in faith.
Spiritual baptism is the gift of the
Father To those only who come
straight TO the point. Excuses and
attempts at palliation of our personal
guilt merely delay the crisis. Ex-
tenuation and mitigation are Of none
avail. Decisive and conclusive YIELD
ing OF the heart TO the Master is the
one concession that Will bring a spir-
itual surcease from the woe OF
wicked life. Earnest endeavor TO be
faithful TO the trust Of the Christian
Sonship gives growth and greatness
in the spiritual life.
These gospels from the life OF our
Lord have special bearing upon the
activities of the church. The church
Of Christ is not so earnest, not so i'm
tense, not so faithful, as she should
be in the spreading OF the seed Of
salvation. The church has lessened
her directness too much in her at
tacks upon the strongholds of sin.
We have been COntent with medioc-
rity wEile the devil has gained as
tendance. The church, 10 be the
agent for godlinege tlat she is called
upon to be, must get down 10 bust
ness. Half-heartedness puts the flag
Of the Christ at half-mast We must
nail our cOlors at the top and keep
them there.
Directness demands clean-cut. un-
wavering work done with faithful
ness, fidelity aud with hoping hearts.
The church, each of US and all Of
MS together, must cease TO be salts
fed with poor work or none The
salvation OF our own souls and the
procuring OF temporal and eternal
blessings for ourselves is not enough.
Are We to attain success, as an or
ganization, in the spiritual work that
counts, we must be all on fire wi /
the desire 70 save mems souls, and TO
bring happiness TO their hearts ana
lives while here.
Lack OF zeal will condemn us as
unworthy. Feeble fire proves remiss-
ness. a poor aim lays Us open 10
the enemy's assaults Unfaithfulness
is unworthy OF US and will meet the
condemnation of our God.