To a Professed Christian.
By M. J. Cottrell
My friend, what are you living for? You must have something to live for, to work for; you surely have some object in your mind’s eye. Is it to make yourself felt, in this strange world of ours? Is it to gain the love and admiration of all you meet? Are you seeking to write your name in such grand characters that none shall pass it by unheeded? Look closely into your heart, and read there the answer. You have professed to turn your back upon the world, and are you still courting its hollow-hearted applause? Remember that Jesus in whose footsteps you profess to be treading, “was despised and rejected of men,” and instead of a wreath of honor, he wore a crown of thorns. Turn not carelessly from this subject, put the question to your heart, What am I living for? and study well the answer. Weigh well the words, “Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Saviour too,” and see if in truth you can adopt them. Are you willing to be despised, to have fellow beings turn from you in disdain? Can you endure to have the finger of scorn point you out as a subject of ridicule? to have one you love, a dear friend, think less of you because of your singularity of dress? What is the answer of your heart. Does it tremblingly pause, and shrink back trying to avoid the question? or does it answer, I am willing, I can endure all. If you cannot say thus, then be assured that you are living for self and the world, however great may be your profession.