THE ANXIOUS MAN by George C. Tenney

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 19, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 40.

THE ANXIOUS MAN.

By George C. Tenney

In the days of our Saviour there lived a young man of wealth and influence. He had paid the strictest attention to the cultivation of his moral principles. He had so disciplined his mind, and had reached so high a degree in morality, that the Saviour loved him. Yet he was not satisfied with his moral attainments. He knew that, in order to have an assurance of eternal life, there was a higher step to be taken, and he felt an uneasiness about his condition.

One day he looked out and saw the Master coming up the way, and so anxious was he to see him that he ran to meet him. When he came to him he knelt down, and looking up into his face, exclaimed, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

The Master did not tell him immediately in what point he failed, but referred him to that great rule that governs both the moral and religious man, the law of God, and then said, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." The young man inquired, "Which?" As much as to say, "Point out one of those precepts that I have violated."

The Saviour then mentions several commandments of the decalogue, placing in the list the very principle that the young man had unconsciously disregarded. "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Had this young man been acquainted with the covetous spirit that dwelt within him, he never would have replied: "All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?" Had he loved his neighbor as himself, he would have used at least a part of his wealth in alleviating the suffering, and feeding and clothing the poor. Then there would have been no occasion for the Master's words: "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up thy cross, and follow me."

He was desirous to gain treasure in Heaven, but he was not willing to lose his hold upon his earthly riches, so he went away exceedingly sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

This young man's property has all been swept away, and for long centuries he has been sleeping in an unknown grave. What a poor exchange he made, when in sorrow he left the heavenly treasure and grasped the earthly. Only heavenly things are eternal.

Reader, remember the Saviour's words, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Take your Bible and turn to the twentieth chapter of Exodus, and there study those ten sacred precepts, and see if you are living in disobedience to any of them. If so, let nothing come between you and an implicit obedience. Though their fulfillment may not bring outward prosperity, there is a sure reward for everyone who loves God, and keeps his ways because he loves them. When we realize the fact that the ways of God are more to be desired than much fine gold, sweeter than honey and the honey-comb; and that "in keeping of them there is great reward," our service will be more earnest and acceptable than while we are clinging to the things of earth, mourning over our own trials, and looking with eager longings after the prosperity of this world. We shall not then hear so often: "If it wasn't for the Sabbath;" "If it were not for our peculiar faith," and like expressions, which show where our hearts are. Let us love God because he has first loved us. Let us love his ways because they are ways of peace, purity, and life. G. C. T.