The Benignant Invitation.
Matt. xi, 28-30. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This is pertinently and lovingly addressed to all souls who feel heart-burdened, spirit-broken, soul-wearied, from any cause—the sin-sick, the outcast, friendless, oppressed, neglected, bereaved, afflicted, poor, needy and dejected. All these are invited to come to Jesus as their friend, helper and redeemer. "I will give you rest;" spiritual rest, comfort, hope, peace and joy. I will impart to you the highest truths, the divinest principles, the sublimest blessedness. "Take my yoke (of righteousness) upon you, and learn of me (as your religious exemplar and master), for I am meek and lowly in heart (not austere, haughty, despotic, or vindictive), and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." All the requirements of my religion are reasonable, practicable, salutary and beneficent. They are such as conduce to the highest good of all souls both in this world and the world to come.—Pract. Chris.