The Twenty Second of March.HE THAT OVERCOMETH --- 1 Corithians 9:25; Revelation 21:7."Every man that striveth for mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible." --- 1 Corithians 9:25. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." Revelation 21:7. To be only an almost Christian is a very hard thing, but to be a Christian altogether makes all easy and pleasant, and such as desire to have the whole of Christ, his whole salvation and all that is his, must needs give themselves up to him, not only in part, but wholly, according to that fundamental and reasonable rule, "All for all;" and, as far as we deny him anything, we make ourselves unhappy; but the more we are resigned to him, the more we are fit to enjoy him and his spiritual blessings. Many would sooner be persuaded to follow Christ if it was allowed to serve him by halves, and reserve some things for ourselves. But what could that profit them? Christ will not be bargained with: and nothing is more dangerous than dividing our hearts between him and the world, and waiting from time to time for a more convenient season to break through. Thus you may live many years, and be neither hot nor cold; and so at last be spewed out of our Lord's mouth. Consider this well, O ye double-minded, lukewarm souls! Christianity requires great striving and overcoming all things, even our most favourite and darling lusts. Rouse, therefore, thy drowsy heart - spare thyself no longer rise above the trifles of the world, fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called. Take away my darling sin; Force me, Lord, with all to part; |