What Doth Hinder Them?
By Mary E. Guilford
Many set forth in the Christian journey with earnestness of purpose, zealously devoting themselves to the service of God. With liberal hands and consecrated hearts they are ever ready to help move forward the work of God. They rejoice in the prosperity of Zion. Their hearts beat in unison with every effort made to advance the cause of truth. Oftimes they struggle on in adversity, enduring toil and privation, and suffering reproach for the cause of Christ which they so much love. With persevering energy they go forward, patient in affliction, calmly enduring persecution, rejoicing in tribulation, counting it all joy that they are accounted worthy to suffer with Christ. Thus they press on, earnestly striving for complete victory over sin. Their influence is powerful on the side of truth. They gather with Christ. They are becoming strong pillars—a tower of strength to the church of God. But alas! the scene changes. Temporal prosperity dawns upon them, and gradually their love for, and interest in, the work of God begins to wane. Their hearts incline to the world. Their thoughts are absorbed in the cares of this life. When they come to the house of worship they have no cheerful testimony to bear. Frequently they absent themselves altogether from the assemblies of God's people. They are constantly drawing farther and farther away from God, and drifting downward to hopeless ruin. The most tender appeals, or fearful denunciations of God's word, fail to move their hearts. With stolid indifference they glide on toward the brink of utter destruction. Oh! what has brought about this sad, this fearful change. They did run well for a season. Where is the hindering cause? What has turned the whole current of their affections from God to the world? Is it worldly prosperity? Will they allow the glitter and show of earth, which is as fleeting and transient as the morning dew, to eclipse the glory and unending beauty of Heaven? Or is the cross too heavy? the way too narrow? Jesus has borne the cross before us. He bore it up Calvary's rugged hight and there suffered untold agony that we might have redemption through his blood. His footprints may be seen all along the narrow way. If we would be his disciples, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. If we would have a home in those glorious mansions he is preparing for his people, we must agonize to enter in at the straight gate. Oh! that all who are lukewarm, cold, and indifferent, in the service of the Lord, would be entreated to return unto God, that he might return unto them and heal all their backslidings.