Zeal in the Christian Life
By Jos. Clarke
“Be zealous, therefore, and repent. Rev. 3:19. That is, be full of “ardor, warmth, earnestness, enthusiasm,” be fervent, hearty, strenuous. There is a class of people, calling themselves conservative, who will call your enthusiasm fanaticism; but this need not move you. The zealous Christian, if consistent and wise, will be free from fanaticism. But beware of the influence of those who hold back in every reform, and every advance move of God’s people. Beware of the influence of cold, formal brethren, who hang like icebergs upon the cause of truth. Lukewarm brethren are your most dangerous associates; and you meet them at every turn. You will find them conservative. They do not see the reason for such plain talk, and such close discipline. They will deem you radical, or perhaps fanatical. Often we see men of the world so eager for wealth or fame, that the day is too short for them; and they turn night into day, that they may attain to wealth or honor. These men never feel their weariness, so intent are they. They labor on, and on, until age brings them low; and how often they succeed. They complain not of weariness or pain; in fact, they hardly realize that they are failing, until nature gives way beneath the heavy pressure. Yet no one calls them fanatical; all think the object so noble, that the life-risk is well and safely made. On the other hand, when men enter upon the work of God, how they complain. Oh! the hardships, the aches, the pains, the trials, the conflicts, the terrible conflicts; the selfdenials. Dreadful times, indeed, some people have in becoming Christians. I would never have become a Christian if these persons had been the only example I had seen of its power. No, I have seen those who saw so much of the bright side of religion that they never thought the trials worthy of mention. So I became a Christian too.