The World's Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 576 pages of information about The World's Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10).

The World's Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 576 pages of information about The World's Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10).

1.  Things that men highly value will be remembered; they will be matter of their freest and sweetest thoughts.  This is a known case.

Do not those then make light of Christ and salvation that think of them so seldom and coldly in comparison of other things?  Follow thy own heart, man, and observe what it daily runneth after; and then judge whether it make not light of Christ.

We cannot persuade men to one hour’s sober consideration what they should do for an interest in Christ, or in thankfulness for his love, and yet they will not believe that they make light of him.

2.  Things that we highly value will be matter of our discourse; the judgment and heart will command the tongue.  Freely and delightfully will our speech run after them.  This also is a known case.

Do not those men make light of Christ and salvation that shun the mention of his name, unless it be in a vain or sinful use?  Those that love not the company where Christ and salvation is much talked of, but think it troublesome, precise discourse; that had rather hear some merry jests, or idle tales, or talk of their riches or business in the world?  When you may follow them from morning to night, and scarce have a savory word of Christ; but, perhaps, some slight and weary mention of him sometimes; judge whether these make not light of Christ and salvation.  How seriously do they talk of the world and speak vanity! but how heartlessly do they make mention of Christ and salvation!

3.  The things that we highly value we would secure the possession of, and, therefore, would take any convenient course to have all doubts and fears about them well resolved.  Do not those men then make light of Christ and salvation that have lived twenty or thirty years in uncertainty whether they have any part in these or not, and yet never seek out for the right resolution of their doubts?  Are all that hear me this day certain they shall be saved?  Oh that they were!  Oh, had you not made light of salvation, you could not so easily bear such doubting of it; you could not rest till you had made it sure, or done your best to make it sure.  Have you nobody to inquire of, that might help you in such a work?  Why, you have ministers that are purposely appointed to that office.  Have you gone to them, and told them the doubtfulness of your case, and asked their help in the judging of your condition?  Alas, ministers may sit in their studies from one year to another, before ten persons among a thousand will come to them on such an errand!  Do not these make light of Christ and salvation?  When the Gospel pierceth the heart indeed, they cry out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?” Trembling and astonished, Paul cries out, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” And so did the convinced Jews to Peter.  But when hear we such questions?

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The World's Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10) from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.