_Choose Life_. As has been indicated, the text proves that we may
choose life if we will, but I have more especially in mind the
question, "Why should we do it?" and I answer, because it is the best
sort of life and the only life.
One of my friends used to tell of a man whom he saw in Colonel Clarke's
mission. The man rose for prayers and accepted Christ. Later on he
saw him again in the mission. He went forward to testify. He had that
look upon his face the result of sin, because of which you could not
tell whether he was young or old, and leaning up against the platform
he gave his testimony. Among other things he said: "I came to Chicago
some little time ago from my home in the east, my father having made
two requests--first, that I should change my name because I had
disgraced his; second, that I should go away and never return. I had
fallen too low here for them to receive me even in the station house,
and I was on my way to end it all when I heard the music of this
mission and came in and found Christ. As I came down the aisle this
evening I heard one man say to another, 'He is getting paid for this,'
and I wish to say that I am. I have a letter in my pocket from my
father, and he tells me that I cannot come home too soon for him.
Boys, I am getting paid. I have a sister at home whose name I would
hardly dare to have taken upon my impure lips, and she writes me that
every day she has prayed for me and that a welcome home awaits me. I
am getting paid, for to-night I am starting back to my New England
home."
It is life which we may choose, and life of the very best sort. It is
better than anything that this world can give. Men have tried other
ways, and they have ended in despair and shame and death, but this way
is the path of the just and shines brighter and brighter unto the
perfect day. Therefore choose life and choose it now.
In St. Paul's cathedral in London it is said that under the dome there
is a red mark, and I have been told that this mark indicates the place
where a workman lost his life. He fell from the scaffolding and was
dashed to pieces upon the floor. I have been told that in the Alps
very frequently you will see black crosses where men have slipped into
eternity as the result of an accident. But I suggest these stories in
order that I may say that where you are at this present moment may be
the black cross of death, because there some one rejected Christ. If
you feel this, choose Jesus Christ; choose him, and choose him now.
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have
set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose
life, that both thou and thy seed may live."