JUDAS was one. He had the advantage of Christ's friendship, and might
have become one of the first missionaries, but he was covetous. DEMAS
was the companion of PAUL, and might have been another SILAS, but he
"loved this present world." ANANIAS and SAPPHIRA were growing side by
side among the beautiful trees in the early church, but they were selfish
and deceitful, and after telling a lie, they were both cut down and cast
into the fire. You notice it does not say every tree in the devil's
orchard shall be cut down, but "every tree which bringeth not forth good
fruit." How is it with you? Judgment has begun at the house of God.
What are you? What is the product of your life? Is your influence
beneficial? Does the result of your life shew that you are born of God?
A HOLY LIFE IS THE ONLY WAY TO ESCAPE
THE FIRE OF HELL.
Do not say you do no harm; that is not enough, you are to bear fruit unto
holiness. Your life must be profitable to God, or you cannot escape the
axe. A man does not plant apple trees to look at, but to gather fruit
from. Have you paid God for all He has expended on you? Remember you
are British, you live where there are Bibles, Ministers, Sunday Schools.
Public opinion is on the side of right. It is easier to be good here
than anywhere else in the world. The husbandman will not be satisfied
with leaves or blossoms, there must be