People Get What They Go For.
By S. E. Todd
A RESPECTED friend who sat at the same table for a time, on his return from church would always exclaim: “We did have such a splendid time; and Mr. —— was so grand!” “Well, my dear, what was his text?” “Well, really, I thought I would recollect the text anyhow. But we did have such a splendid time! The house was crammed full; and whom do you think I saw there? Well, it was Miss ——, and oh, you ought to have seen just how she was dressed!” Then followed a minute description of this and that style, &c. Again we remarked: “Mr. —— usually has a sermon full of excellent thoughts.” “Oh, he did lay it down to day! He was so grand. I tell you he gave the New York Trumpet a sharp stab that made them all laugh.” “Don’t you recollect his theme?” we asked. “Why, my dear, what did he preach about? Now, I knew just as well—ha, ha, ha, how they all laughed when the organist touched one of the keys just as Mr. —— was going to pronounce the benediction.” Such persons always get what they go for. If one goes to church to meet friends and associates, to have a chat and a good time, he gets it. If one is in doubt whether to go or not, at one time concluding to go, and the next minute thinking he will remain at home, when he does go to church he will scarcely be able to tell for what purpose he went, and if he gets anything, he will be in doubt as to what it is. “I think I will not go to church to-day; service is rather dull,” says one. But after all, some one may be there that I want to see; besides, it doesn’t look right for one to stay at home habitually. I may be sorry if I stay at home.” Such persons are always sure of their reward, which is leanness of soul, and unfruitfulness of spirit. But when one hungers after the Bread of Life, and his famished soul thirsts for the waters of salvation, and he enters the house of the Lord with fervent desires ascending that God would visit his soul, and that the peace which passeth all understanding may keep his heart, then his soul will experience a refreshing from on high, which will fit him for the duties of the week. He will get what he goes for. The Lord Jesus is always at church, inviting every one in the most tender language to come unto him. Does the sorrowing Christian go seeking and searching after consolation? He finds it. Does the yearning soul go to church breathing the silent petition, “Nearer, my God, to thee,” and longing for the cheering experiences of a “higher life”? He gets them. Does the troubled sinner go to church to cavil, to spy, to criticise? His reward will be certain. The miserable husks of the prodigal son will fret his disquieted soul.—S. E. Todd.