The Brinkley argus., 1914-06-19

entire verse)
 The story of this rich young ruler Is one out of the ministry or our Loro that has made an indelible impression throughout every succeeding genera tion. This is so because 1t is so vital. vibrant and vivid a revelation Of our everyday experience. The lesson nat urally divides itself into two sections. Read carefully the parallel accounts; Matt. 19:16-30 and Luke IS: 1S-S0
 Man of Courage.
 l. An Eager Young Man, w. f7-22- This man is an arresting figure. Much may be said in his favor: CD He was young (Matt. 19:22): (2) He was ID earnest. "came running" (v. ID; ts) He was educated, "a lawyer" Luxe 1918; (4) He was rich. Mark lo:22; (5) He was loved by Jesus, Mark lo: 21 That he had lived clean life IS revealed by the answers he made 10 Jesus. Moreover he must have been a man of some courage, belonging as he did to the ruling class. the Pharl- sees. yet he came running into the presence of Jesus and cast himself at his feet. We need but to recall that this class was at this time definitely hostile to Christ, yet this young man dared to speak the conviction or nis heart in this public way by Calling Jesus, good" We feel that he was an honest seeker after life. His question reveals the unrest of the human heart. It matters not what men may possess of wealth or position, these things do not bring heart rest. Great moral courage, noble aspirations and benevo- lence never will save nor fully sahsly the human soul Man does not obtain life by doing, Gal. 2:16. Life Is slft, Rom 6:23 We must not misunder- stand the reply of Jesus (v. lS). Jesus did not deny being good, John SAG; 14:30; S:29, but he saw that this young man was filled with the idea of his own goodness To say that Jesus was good was practically to say ne was God, and this the young man did not mean. Jesus sought to reveal to him his careless use of words. Jesus undoubtedly here lays claim to deity and subsequently, he said, (v. 21) "fol. low me-" 1. G., for this man to yield his life actually to the control of God.
 Last week we were taught to make friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when 1t shall fail they may receive you into the eter- nal tabernacles." This Is exactly what Christ told this young man to do Sell . give to the poor" By thus using he would store up treasure in heaven. That he could not stand the test is evident from V. P.
 PeriIs of Riches.
 II. The Masters Exhortation, w. 23-S1. As a great teacher and philos- opher Jesus took this occasion to point out the perils of riches. Nearly every man is willing to run the risk. We have, however, but to look about us to see illustration after Illustration of the truth of these words. How hard. ly'-increased wealth. decreased piety How hardly'--men seek to tone down this picture, but have no right so to do. The only safety Is found in the words of verse 27, with God all things are possible" The most severe test possible to be given to mans reug- ious experience Is for him to be pros. pered in wealth or position. The rich young ruler is an evidence of the fact that such a goddess life js a restless one.
 Notwithstanding his possessions, his refinement, the privileges of his posi-. tion and life 80 cleanly lived as to leave no vulgar moral scar, yet he ex. claims: What shall do that l may inherit eternal life?" It was easier for the proverbial camel to have en. tered the city gate tor literal needles eye as you prefer) than for this young man to yield to God the control of his life. Every life is under control A goddess life is self-con- trolled life. AS men came to Jesus he saw perfectly their individual needs; their peculiar malady.
 The disciples were amazed at the
 
 man cannot be saved there is hope for none. Such is not the meaning. This Is revealed in the reply to Peters question. Men are saved irrespective of position or of possessions for God loves them all Those who turn the control of their lives over to his keep. ing, those who. no matter what their condition or position in life, follow him. leaving all. or bringing all as the case may be. will have their reward here in this life and in the world to come, eternal life.
 The one thing people most dread Is poverty, so did Jesus and he saw that the possessions of this life so occupy the time and attention of men as to impoverish their souls Wealth Is a trust God looks upon every man, as Jesus beheld this young man. endowed with great possibilities and covetf that life for high service. Are we more anxious to be rich than to be good? Is 1t not an evidence of selfish ness to let those come after us dis tribute our wealth? To enjoy it, gioat over it and to use it for yourself. ther dictate who, why, or how others ma enjoy 1t Is sclfishness.
 Procf of lnefficiency.
 He-"There's no use introducing me