I CANNOT STAND RELIGION IN THE WEEK.

Hoa Maori, Issue 18, 1 October 1890, Page 5

I CANNOT STAND RELIGION IN THE WEEK.

fpIHE writer of this short paper was invitS ing a young man to hear a servant of

Christ preach the Gospel of the Grace of God one week evening in summer. "I cannot stand religion in the week," was the reply, " and especially a fine evening like this. I like to hear a good sermon on Sunday, or do not mind on a winter's night if I have no other engagements." "What a sad excuse. This young man was doing just the opposite to what God's Word counsels us to do. He thought that his soul's eternal welfare was of the least importance ; he wanted to enjoy himself and see life. His words were equivalent to saying, " keep the Gospel in its place, it does very well for Sunday." Oh! if such is the thought of any who may read this, I warn you, for God says, " What is a man profited, if he shad gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? or' what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"—Matt. 15. 26. Mark! this young man said "Eeligion," not " Christ." Ho was a stranger to the Blessed Son of God; he did not know " the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might he rich."2 Cor. 8. 9. Dear reader, are you a stranger to this blessed Son of God? If so, why is it? Do you not know that by nature, as a child of fallen Adam, you are ■' dead in trespasses and sins." You may be very religious, a beautiful character as far as man can see, but God, who searcheth the heart says, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3. 23. Again, 'As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." 5.12. And if you die as you are, you will have to spend an eternity in hell. Oh! how awful. 'Where thier worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.' Mark 11, 48. The question is not, 'Are you religious?" but " Have you Christ?" Do you know Him, whom to know is life eternal? John 17, 3. If you are anxious, His words are, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and , are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matt. 11, 28. Hear this message of love: ! "God so loved the world, that He gave His i only beggoten Son, thatwhosover (you, me,

or anybody else) believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." — John 3, 16. Think Who it is that so loved us. Before we were born He thought of us and made provision for our need, and how? He gave His only beggoten Son. What a wondrous gift! Is not this enough to melt thy heart? Delay no longer, but come now to Him who said, "Him who cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."—John 6. 37. " 'All things are ready,' come, To-morrow may not he; 0 sinner, come, the Saviour waits This hour to welcome thee." F.T.J.M.