If we are not prepared to fast, it does not matter how well we do other
things--not only abstain from food, or drink, or tobacco, but from other
things we like. We know some men who would do well to fast from having
their own way, and others who would serve God if they would take a back
seat now and then, and let somebody else talk a bit.
But it is not to these men we address ourselves to-day. It is to those
who are trying to get as much ease and comfort out of life we would
speak. There are some of us who preach and live by it, who might do more
to earn our stipend. We fear the Rev. Mephibosheth Neversweat is too
"intellectual" to read "JOYFUL NEWS," and it is useless saying much to
him, or else we should like to ask him to remember that the time is
coming when he will be too old to work, and it may be then, when his eye
is too dim to read his newspaper, he may be compelled to read the proof-
sheets of his own biography--a book that will be published and read when
all the world be there to hear it. We pity him when in old age he
remembers mis-used opportunities of becoming a blessing to his
generation, or looks forward to the time when he must give account of
himself to God!
The reverend gentleman we have named has some cousins, who are Local
Preachers; and we should like to have a word with them also. How about
those village congregations that were disappointed of a preacher? How
about those stale and faded sermons? We wish you would be persuaded to
make a sermon on--"SHAKE THYSELF FROM THE DUST," because there would be
at least one penitent, even before the sermon was preached.
However, what perhaps is needed most of all is that the decrease in our
numbers as Methodists should lead us to repent, and do our first works.
We should as a Church humble ourselves before God, and that without
delay. He waits to be gracious. We must not lose heart. Let the
thousands of faithful workers among us remember that when the disciples
were baffled, Jesus was in the company of Moses and Elijah; but He
dismissed them that He might come to the help of His people. Whatever he
may be doing, we can catch His ear, and bring Him to the rescue. He
needs only that we should cry to Him for help. We indulge the hope that
when Methodism learns that, in spite of all the earnest work done, we
have fewer people meeting in class than we had last year, there will be a
bowing before the Lord. Already we see signs of blessing. There is a
waking up to duty, and a longing for purity, that can have but one
result. The Master is coming, and shall soon say,
"BEING HIM UNTO ME."
LII. MANNA.
EXODUS xvi. 4.
I.--Manna like salvation, because undeserved.
The people murmured at the very first difficulty. If they had been
grateful they would have said, "The God who brought us out of Egypt, and
through the Red Sea, will not allow us to die of hunger." But instead of
this they accused Moses of being a murderer. And in answer to this God
said, "I will rain bread from heaven." What an illustration of Romans v.
8.
II.--Manna like salvation, because it saved the people from perishing.
Nothing else would have done in its place. The people had jewels, but
they could not eat them! They had instruments of music, but they could
not live on sound! Nothing else but Jesus can save the soul from famine.
Sinner, ask thyself the question of Isaiah li. 2.
III.--Manna like salvation, because it was plenteous.
There was enough, and more than enough, for some melted ungathered every
day.
Some Christians dishonour God by their leanness. "If any man eat of this
bread he shall live for ever." John vi. 51.
IV.--Manna like salvation, because it had to be gathered.
It did not come into their tents. You might starve within only a few
feet of plenty. Some people are too lazy to be saved. Whoever got it
had to stoop. It did not grow on trees, but on the ground. Some are too
proud to be saved!
V.--Manna like salvation, because fresh every day.
It was, "Give us this day our daily bread." There are some who try to
live on past religion, and it is like the manna of verse 20. Is your
religion fresh?
VI.--Manna like salvation, best gathered early.
It was in the morning plentiful, but when the sun rose it melted; there
would be a little here and there in shady places. If you would have
plenteous grace, young reader, seek it now!
THE ONLY SORT OF RELIGION
WORTH HAVING IS INFECTIOUS,
YOU HAVE NOT GOT IT IF YOU
DO NOT GIVE IT TO SOME ONE
ELSE!