Sermons for the Christian Year; Lent to Passiontide (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 Excerpt: ... to-day fallen under the same temptation, and failed to do the same kind of good work, yet will not one tell against another? are we not on the whole with Him and not against Him? I would ask you, my brethren one question. Suppose in battle you saw a soldier striking a blow or aiming a shot or a dart now against his own comrades, now against the enemy: on which side should you imagine him really to be, in the purpose and intention of his heart? Should you not judge this of him, that his secret purpose was rather on the side of the enemy, and that what blows he struck at them were rather to save appearances, or for some other selfish reason, than for any loyalty or duty which he had in his heart? In like manner you may be quite sure that as long as you allow yourself in any known wilful sin, you cannot be quite sincere in any part of your duty, you are not a faithful soldier and servant, you do not love your King and Master. He Who sees into your heart cannot reckon you to be with Him. Besides, what is the real consequence, even outwardly and before men, when Christians thus allow themselves to be half on the devil's side? Much the same as it would be in an army, when the soldiers should now and then turn against their own leader, in the very moment of action. There would be no confidence, no one would know on whom lie could depend: the end would be confusion and flight, as our Lord goes on to say, "He that gathereth not with Me, scattereth." We see and hear and feel daily, the like sad effect of our many backslidings and inconsistencies. The unlearned and unbelievers say, behold how these Christians, these men professing godliness, do in their hearts and works deny it. Why then need we care for it? And they are bold to break off from God more and ...