Basic HTML Version
Neglect of Hannah More
133
It does not possess that which excites and fevers the mind, and the
natural, unrenewed heart prefers some other book to the word of
God. Their attention is engrossed in self. They have no deep, earnest
longings for the influence of the Spirit of God upon the mind and
heart. God is not in all their thoughts.
How can I endure the thought that most of the youth in this age
will come short of everlasting life! Oh, that the sound of instrumental
music might cease and they no more while away so much precious
time in pleasing their own fancy. Oh, that they would devote less
time to dress and vain conversation, and send forth their earnest,
agonizing prayers to God for a sound experience. There is great
necessity for close self-examination in the light of God’s word; let
each one raise the inquiry: “Am I sound, or am I rotten at heart?
Am I renewed in Christ, or am I still carnal at heart, with a new
dress put on the outside?” Rein yourself up to the great tribunal,
and in the light of God examine to see if there be any secret sin that
you are cherishing, any idol that you have not sacrificed. Pray, yes,
pray as you have never prayed before, that you may not be deluded
by Satan’s devices, that you may not be given up to a heedless,
careless, vain spirit, and attend to religious duties to quiet your own
conscience.
It is inappropriate for Christians in any age of the world to be
[145]
lovers of pleasure, but how much more so now when the scenes of
this earth’s history are so soon to close. Surely the foundation of
your hope of everlasting life cannot be laid too sure. The welfare
of your soul and your eternal happiness depend upon whether your
foundation is built upon Christ. While others are panting after earthly
enjoyments, be ye panting after the unmistakable assurance of the
love of God, earnestly, fervently crying: Who will show me how
to make my calling and election sure? One of the signs of the last
days is, that professed Christians are lovers of pleasure more than
lovers of God. Deal truly with your own soul. Search carefully.
How few, after a faithful examination, can look up to heaven and
say: “I am not one of those thus described! I am not a lover of
pleasure more than a lover of God!” How few can say: “I am dead
to the world; the life I now live is by faith in the Son of God! My
life is hid with Christ in God, and when He who is my life shall
appear, then shall I also appear with Him in glory.” The love and