Page images
PDF
EPUB

Bethel.

A NEW YEAR'S HOMILY TO YOUNG MEN. BY REV. T. R. STEVENSON.

66

MAN

[ANY a truth is spoken in jest." So says the old proverb.

It is correct. Proofs of it abound. Ridicule often rebukes. Puns may be precepts. Fantastic fictions call attention to formidable facts. For example: the notorious American utterance is quite true-" there's a good deal of human nature in man." No doubt of it. Our race is unchangeable. Men vary, man remains the same. To-day resembles yesterday; one twelvemonth repeats another. The centuries are all alike. Ancients and moderns have a strong family likeness.

It

Hence the value of the Bible. is the word of man as well as the word of God. A faithful artist, it portrays saint and sinner with inimitable accuracy. In the biographies which it records we recognize ourselves. Each history is an anticipation of our own. The narratives of inspiration are lived over again now. Abraham still emigrates; Rachel still weeps for her children; Ruth still mourns a lost husband; Job still ponders the mysteries of Providence; David still longs for the wings of a dove; Peter still quails before the taunt of the tempter; Paul still labours more abundantly than they all; Demas still forsakes Christ and Christ's disciples.

The new year reminds us of this. The book of Genesis contains the biography of several young men. One is full of interest to the youth of to-day. The secular duties and vicissitudes which befel him afford a marked point of contact between

him and our age of fervid commercial competition. We refer to Jacob. When he left home he made a vow. Most solemnly did he promise that if God would protect him, he would, when he returned from his wanderings, build an altar. Did God hear him? We all know. He more than heard him. The fugitive became a prince. Despite sundry trials, he obtained large possessions. Did he remember his promise? That we also know. It was forgotten. Seven or eight years passed, upon his return, ere the shrine was erected. He had to be reminded of it. As quaint Thomas Fuller puts it-" Rich Jacob forgot what forgot what poor Jacob did promise."

Does not the present season recall the old story? Yes. And why? Because this is the time in which so many vows are made-vows too soon lost sight of. The beginning of the twelve months is pre-eminently a period of promising. How large a number of good resolves are formed! That would be a comprehensive arithmetic which should compute them. Who can calculate the proportion of them that are kept? April the first is usually associated with the idea of folly; but, virtually, January the first is more deserving of that repute. We heard a remark some time ago which impressed us. On the thirtyfirst of December a friend said, "Tomorrow people will go through the solemn farce of making good resolves." It was a somewhat bitter expression, but its sting lay in its truthfulness. A "solemn farce," indeed, too often it is. We talk of

"building castles in the air;" but at no date is there such a large consumption ef etherial masonry as at the present. Invisible stones and impalpable beams are in almost universal request.

There is, however, another point in our experience when such is the case. We mean trouble. Circumstances of trial create prayer; prayer ends in pledges-pledges of obedience. Too frequently, when we get quit of the sorrow we get quit of the vow also. The adage bears witness against us-"The river past, and God forgotten." Similar is the bent of the Greek tale :-Mandrabulus, the Samian, having, under the auspices of Juno, discovered a gold mine, in his instant gratitude, vowed to her a golden ram, which he presently exchanged for a silver one; and again this for a very small brass one; and this for nothing at all. Tennyson illustrates the same thing in his own pure style when he sings

"Yet the great knight, in his mid-sickness made,

Full many a holy vow and pure resolve. These, as but born of sickness, could not live;

For when the blood ran lustier in him again,

Full often the sweet image of one face, Making a treacherous quiet in his heart, Dispersed his resolution like a cloud."

It is the old story of the Egyptian king over again. When each plague came, Pharaoh declared that he would liberate Israel; when it went he promptly cancelled his word. Volney, the infidel, was once in a storm. The sea raged; loudly roared the wind. It seemed as if the vessel must go down. "O Christ, save me! O Christ, have mercy on me!" Thus cried the unbeliever. He reached the shore safely. Did he abandon his atheism? Not he! Once secure on terra firma, he resumed his scepticism and blasphemy. To quote from an able and experienced author: "De

66

tected in a deed of dishonesty, which he declares to be his very first-for there never was a thief who was not a liar also-the purloiner calls Heaven to witness that if you will only let him off this once, he will hereafter rather starve than steal; and six months afterwards he is at the bar of the Old Bailey. Laid on a bed of sickness, the toper is plainly told how urgent is his case, and how many are the chances against him. “Oh, dear doctor, if you will only set me free this once, I give you my solemn word I will never taste another drop ;" and the vow is kept till he is pronounced past danger. In imminent alarmwith lying refuges swept awayyou have seen the folly of a godless life and the terribleness of unprepared death, and have promised and protested that as soon as this crisis was over you would make God's friendship your first effort, and His service your great concern. But if it be a yew-tree staff, as soon as the pressure is taken off it will start up straight as ever; and if it be the same proud, self-sufficient, self-indulgent nature as before, it may bend for a moment beneath the mighty hand of God; but, like a deceitful bow rebounding, is sure to turn back erect and stiff as ever? A Christian gentleman belonging to the medical profession mentioned the following fact:-In the course of his life he had known about three hundred persons who, expecting to die, had apparently given themselves to the Saviour. Eventually they were restored to health. How many, does the reader suppose, kept their covenant with God? What was the number of those who remained faithful under the more prosperous circumstances? Only ten! Think of it. Ten; not more than ten out of three hundred! Well may we exclaim, "Lord, what is man?" Earnestly should we pray, "Hold Thou me up." Sunshine after rain

produces lovely, fragrant blossoms; but the beams of worldly success, when they follow the storm of affliction, are seldom as productive.

We may be told that these are extreme cases. Be it so; they are true. They are also representative. My young brothers, you and I may not so far have committed ourselves as some to whom allusion has been made. We may have been mercifully spared the outrages on God's goodness to which we have adverted. With no bated breath, and no stinted praise, let us adore Heaven, if such be the case. Nevertheless, is one of us altogether guiltless on this score? Not one. Conscience reminds us of promises forgotten. Ruins are often picturesque. The moss-grown wall is attractive. Towers, long ago resigned to silence and decay, are impressively beautiful. We linger long within the lovely precincts of a Tintern Abbey, or the venerable remains of fiction-famed Kenilworth. But there is one ruin appalling instead of inviting. It is found within. Our souls contain mournful relics. Shattered vows are there, painful to contemplate. None of us are as good as we meant to be. We look wistfully to heights of Christ-like attainment which we hoped would have been ours ere this. Our architecture is faultless; our building is erratic and fitful.

What is to be done? Shall we give up? No, never! Away with the thought! albeit we are often tempted to indulge it. We must not. Difficulty should not intimidate. It ought rather to arouse. He is no true man who sheaths the sword because of bygone shortcomings and defeats. Let us keep heart; repeated failure is not inevitable. History shows and surrounding experience proves that, despite past failures, we may live a holier, nobler life in the future. Others have done so; why should not we?

Instead, therefore, of desponding, be it ours, rather, to find the secret of success. How may we be so strengthened as to keep the vows which we make? By what means may we get not only a good start each year, but keep on in the right track to the very end?

Love is

There are two answers. the first. Nothing is like this. It lies at the root of all endurance and achievement. Here, again, Jacob is a case in point. Among many other touching things connected with his course-things that cannot but find an instinctive response in each of us -is his attachment to the daughter of Laban. One phrase is memorable: "and Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her." Yes, love is the grand stimulus. If a man loves gold, he will labour for it; if he is fond of popularity, he will strive after it; if his heart is set on physical gratification, he will obtain it. By the same rule, if he loves Christ, he will become Christ-like. The love of Jesus, as shown in the pardon of his sins and a sacrificial death endured on his behalf, will enable him, in spite of weaknesses and inconsistencies, to keep his vow of holiness and devotedness. Well says Henry Ward Beecher:-"It is wonderful that we do not take a hint inthis matter from the fact that, in secular life, when we seek favours at the hands of men, we endeavour to bring them into a goodnatured state. We know that when a man is benevolent and sympathetic, he is in the state in which we can draw more good things from him than when he is in any other state. If we go to one for some kindness, we do not go to him on those days when he is gloomy, when his nerves are shaken, when his health is suffering, and when his business is going wrong; we go to him when he is full-fed, and com

fortable, and genial, as it is at such times that he is most likely to grant our request. We bring him into a good condition with himself; and when his mind is in a high and summery mood, we let out our little secret with a reasonable hope of success. This is the worldly way of dealing with men when we would have them yield to our wishes. When men wish to grow in Christian graces they must lift their souls up into the atmosphere of Divine benevolence; and out of real, pure, genial love all Christian graces will flow most easily and naturally."

Some words are often repeated in the Bible. We constantly meet with them. Here is one of the commonest -grace. Much importance is attached to it. This is the final prayer of Paul, "Grace be with you all." This is the farewell advice of Peter, "Grow in grace." This is the adieu of John, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." No wonder. Do not think the word a cant term. It may be abused, but in itself it is beautiful and invaluable. Well, what does this favourite word mean? Dr. Bonar gives one of the best definitions of it. "Love to the unlovable." Ah! the three eminent Apostles saw so plainly, and felt so deeply, that love was the mainspring of all Christian emotion and endeavour, that they made its commendation the theme of their last counsels. Let us receive it. If we accept it, think often about it, realize it, we shall find it the Godappointed means of overcoming temptation, and doing our duty both to Christ and His disciples.

There must be something more. Of this also we are reminded by the patriarch to whom we have alluded. The very name, Israel, tells of prayer. We must supplicate if we would succeed. This doctrine needs emphatic and uncompromising statement in our day. Many assail it. Objec

tions to its efficacy are often raised. We do not care now to enter into them. Why? Not, certainly, because they are unanswerable. They have repeatedly been met and overthrown. But we shun controversy on this point, because there is "a more excellent way." The truth is, that experience is the best argument. We venture, without fear of contradiction, to say that the experience of any man who tries to live a useful and devout life, proves alike the need and power of prayer.

Let none neglect it, especially the young. It is the Divinely-appointed means of bestowing upon us spiritual influences by which we may be quickened in goodness and strengthened against temptation. Nay, the very act itself is a wondrous power for good. Communion with God fortifies us in the hour of danger. It calms the soul, it elevates the earth-prone affections, and infuses into us the temper of heaven. It has been likened to a diving-bell, which enables us, although surrounded by destructive elements, to breathe a pure and invigorating atmosphere. It has been compared to the fabled waters of classic story, which rendered those who were dipped in them invulnerable to malign influences. It has been spoken of as a celestial talisman, which, as long as it is retained, preserves its possessor from countless calamities.

This is all true. Be it ours, then, to make good use of it. With Love on one side, and Prayer on the other, as our gracious guardian angels, we need not fear. All shall be well. The future is dark; none may read it. Wisely is it hidden from us. Sometimes we tremble before it; we fear the trials which it may bring. Begone all such thoughts! Christ is with us. Only let us give Him our affection and ask His help, and despite trouble, our path will be bright and beautiful.

Memoir of the late Reb. Andrew Leslie, of Calcutta.

Concluded from Vol. LXIII., page 772.

N Mr. Leslie's arrival in Calcutta leaving for England, and was consequently obliged to wait five weeks. During these weeks he preached regularly in the Circular Road Chapel, Dr. Yates being then absent. Shortly before embarking for England, he received from the Church at Monghyr a piece of plate, as a token of their regard, accompanied by a letter, which gave him even more pleasure than the gift. It was written by his friend of many years, his friend until death, H. Dear, Esq.

On the 12th of March, Mr. Leslie and his family embarked in the Bland, Captain Callan, and after a pleasant voyage, landed in England, July 21. His pleasure was sadly marred by hearing of the death of the Rev. John Dyer, Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society, an event which took place on the very night of his arrival; but, on the other hand, he received such loving letters from his friends in Monghyr, that his heart was greatly cheered and comforted.

Mr. Leslie was absent from India only one year and nine months. His stay in England was not an idle one. He was fully occupied all the time in travelling about in behalf of the Baptist Missionary Society. The season was full of interest.

It was

the Jubilee year of the Baptist Mission, and the services at Kettering were rich in solemn joy. Mr. Leslie was privileged to preach one of the jubilee sermons at Kettering. Many Baptist ministers and missionaries

being assembled there, he had an

of those who had been his fellowstudents at College. He found they had not forgotten him, and that their love for him was as strong as ever. This intercourse with them was very pleasant and refreshing. By the relatives of the wife of his youth he and his were most warmly welcomed, and amongst them he found an affectionate father and mother, and loving brothers and sisters. And it was well that it was so, for he had returned to England to find his own. brothers and sister dead, his father and another having died before he sailed for India. When he went to his native city, Edinburgh, he went. as a stranger, and his thoughts were very painful. He wandered about alone, visiting old remembered scenes and places but the rocks, and the trees, and the buildings were his only friends. Some persons whom he remembered had forgotten him; others whom he once knew were dead; and so he turned away in bitter disappointment and sorrow.

He soon wearied of the continual travelling; his heart longed after his old work; and his health being restored, he asked leave to return to India. On the 25th of August, 1842, after a stay of but thirteen months, he bade adieu to his native land, and sailed for India in the Vernon, Captain Gimblett, accompanied by his family. The first time there was service on board, Jeremiah xxii. was read, and the 10th verse made a deep impression on his mind: "Weep ye

« PreviousContinue »