Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1915-05-01

Gods first a d
great commandment for man, and the
Masters answer places him at once
in his true position before the Lord.
What Jesus told this young man of
long ago can still be said of many
today: Thou are not far from the
kingdom of Cod
1. He was in a very promising posi-
ton, mot far from the kingdom
He was acquainted with the truth to
a certain extent, being in the position
of many today who are able to tell
much about the truth of the Bible;
but they themselves are still with
out"
He also assented to the truth.
This, too. describes many of to-
day who make no profession of Chris
tianity; they not only know much of
the truth, but they are quite ready to
agree that it is truth.
He also admired the One who told
him the truth; he came to Jesus.
And it may safely be presumed that
he attempted to live his creed. He
was a sincere man who caught the at
tention of Jesus and drew from him
this word, Thou are not far from the
kingdom of God" A great truth is
door of the kingdom and yet be finally
lost. Some who read these words
may be in the same position, at the
threshold yet not in.
2. He was in a very painful posi-
| ton; just at the door, but not inside.
| He would be condemned by his con-
science because of his acquaintance
with the truth. 1t would ever be tell
| hot oh IN 10
and delay no longer. An unheeded
conscience is not pleasant to live
with. and this young mans position
would be painful in spite of it's prom
| ise
| He would also be condemned by his
reason because of his assent to the
truth. To know that a certain action
is wise and yet not do 1t, is to dis
honor ones reason. Yet many there
are today who have been brought to
the gates of salvation but who have
stified the voices of conscience and
reason and found themselves in the
distressing position of this young man.
He would be condemned by the
words which Jesus addressed to hira
when he said. Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart -
8. He was in a very perilous posi-
ton; he might never get into that
kingdom from which he was then mot
far"
There was the danger that he rest
content with mere assent to the truth.
He would be like a traveller who might
go many days and stop just one days
march from his goal; all his weary
journey would be useless without the
final days work. To be within a step
of the kingdom of God and neglect to
take that last step which would put
one over the threshold is to take ones
place with all the unsaved
There was the danger, too, that he
should put off the final step too long
and leave him without its warning
tones.
Almost cannot avail. almost is but
to fail;
Sad. sad. the bitter wall. Almost. but
lost"
A distinguished preacher tells Of 4
gentleman who heard someone preach
from this text, and as the danger OF
neglect was presented he felt he was
but a step from salvation. Instead.
however, OF taking that last step
; which separated between his soul and
life. he put 1t on and returned to his
, home. Retiring. he fell into restless
sleep and began to dream. He
thought he saw himself die and beheId
his soul leaving his body. But he was
dismayed to see a host OF sins. which
he recognized as his own, pursue his
soul. and It became so terrible he
could bear 1t no longer, but awoke.
Springing from his bed he called his
| wife and telling her the dream declared
that on the next Sunday he would go
to the church and take the last step
toward salvation But as he spoke he
gasped and fell at his wife's feet, dead
Ny dear reader. IL you find yourself
in the promising but painful position
of this young man, will you not just
now exchange that perilous place for
the safe place by accepting the gra.
cfous invitation of Jesus. Come unto
me and I win give you rest?"