Copyright©MonergismBooks

ThoughtsforYoungMen

byJ.C.Ryle

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Introduction

ReasonsforExhortingYoungMen

DangersofYoungMen

GeneralCounselstoYoungMen

SpecialRulesforYoungMen

Conclusion

Introduction

WHENSt.PaulwrotehisEpistletoTitusabouthisdutyasaminister,hementioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. Afterspeakingofagedmenandagedwomen,andyoungwomen,headdsthispithyadvice,"Youngmenlikewiseexhorttobesober-minded"(Tit.2:6).IamgoingtofollowtheApostle'sadvice.Iproposetoofferafewwordsoffriendlyexhortationtoyoungmen.

Iamgrowingoldmyself,buttherearefewthingsIremembersowellasthedaysofmyyouth.Ihaveamostdistinctrecollectionofthejoysandthesorrows,thehopesandthefears,thetemptationsandthedifficulties,themistakenjudgmentsandthemisplacedaffections,theerrorsandtheaspirations,whichsurroundandaccompanyayoungman's life.IfIcanonly say something to keep some young man in the right way, and

preservehimfromfaultsandsins,whichmaymarhisprospectsbothfortimeandeternity,Ishallbeverythankful.

TherearefourthingswhichIproposetodo:--

I.Iwillmentionsomegeneralreasonswhyyoungmenneedexhorting.

II.Iwillnoticesomespecialdangersagainstwhichyoungmenneedtobewarned.

III. I will give some general counsels which I entreat young men toreceive.

IV.IwillsetdownsomespecialrulesofconductwhichIstronglyadviseyoungmentofollow.

OneachofthesefourpointsIhavesomethingtosay,andIprayGodthatwhatIsaymaydogoodtosomesoul.

I.ReasonsforexhortingYoungMen.

1. In the firstplace,Whatare thegeneralreasonswhyyoungmenneedpeculiarexhortation?Iwillmentionseveraloftheminorder.

(1)Foronething,thereisthepainfulfactthattherearefewyoungmenanywhere who seem to have any religion. I speak without respect ofpersons;Isayitofall.Highorlow,richorpoor,gentleorsimple,learnedorunlearned, in townor incountry, -- itmakesnomatter. I tremble toobservehowfewyoungmenareledbytheSpirit,--howfewareinthatnarrow way which leads to life, -- how few are setting their affectionsupon things above, -- how few are taking up the cross, and followingChrist.Isayitwithallsorrow,butIbelieve,asinGod'ssight,Iamsayingnothingmorethanthetruth.

Youngmen,youformalargeandmostimportantclassinthepopulationof this country; but where, and in what condition, are your immortal

souls?Alas,whateverwayweturnforananswer, thereportwillbeoneandthesame!

Letusaskanyfaithfulministerofthegospel,andmarkwhathewilltellus.Howmanyunmarriedyoungpeople canhe reckonupwho come totheLord'sSupper?Whoarethemostbackwardaboutmeansofgrace,--themostirregularaboutSundayservices,--themostdifficulttodrawtoweekly lectures and prayer meetings, -- the most inattentive underpreachingatalltimes?Whichpartofhiscongregationfillshimwithmostanxiety?WhoaretheReubensforwhomhehasthedeepest"searchingsofheart"!Whoinhisflockarethehardesttomanage,--whorequirethemost frequentwarnings and rebukes, --who occasion him the greatestuneasinessandsorrow,--whokeephimmostconstantlyinfearfortheirsouls,andseemmosthopeless?Dependonit,hisanswerwillalwaysbe,"TheYoungMen."

Letusask theparents inanyparish throughoutEngland,andseewhattheywill generally say.Who in their families give themmost pain andtrouble? Who need the most watchfulness, and most often vex anddisappointthem?Whoarethefirsttobeledawayfromwhatisright,andthe last to remember cautions and good advice? Who are the mostdifficult to keep in order and bounds?Whomost frequently break outintoopensin,disgracethenametheybear,maketheirfriendsunhappy,embitter the old age of their relations, and bring down grey hairswithsorrow to the grave? Depend on it, the answer will generally be, "TheYoungMen."

Letusaskthemagistratesandofficersofjustice,andmarkwhattheywillreply. Who go to public-houses and beer-shops most? Who are thegreatest Sabbath-breakers? Who make up riotous mobs and seditiousmeetings?Who are oftenest taken up for drunkenness, breaches of thepeace, fighting, poaching, stealing, assaults, and the like?Who fill thegaols, and penitentiaries, and convict ships? Who are the class whichrequires themost incessant watching and looking after? Depend on it,theywillatoncepointtothesamequarter,--theywillsay,"TheYoungMen."

Letus turn to theupperclasses,andmark thereportweshallget from

them.Inonefamilythesonsarealwayswastingtime,health,andmoney,in the selfish pursuit of pleasure. In another, the sons will follow noprofession,andfritterawaythemostpreciousyearsoftheirlifeindoingnothing.Inanother,theytakeupaprofessionasamereform,butpaynoattention to its duties. In another, they are always forming wrongconnections, gambling, getting into debt, associating with badcompanions, keeping their friends in a constant fever of anxiety. Alas,rank,and title,andwealth,andeducation,donotprevent these things!Anxiousfathers,andheart-brokenmothers,andsorrowingsisters,couldtell sad tales about them, if the truthwereknown.Manya family,witheverything this world can give, numbers among its connections somename that is never named, -- or only namedwith regret and shame, --someson,somebrother,somecousin,somenephew,--whowillhavehisownway,andisagrieftoallwhoknowhim.

There is seldoma rich familywhichhasnotgot some thorn in its side,some blot in its page of happiness, some constant source of pain andanxiety;--andoften,fartoooften,isnotthisthetruecause,"TheYoungMen"?

Whatshallwesaytothesethings?Thesearefacts,--plainstaringfacts,--facts whichmeet us on every side,-facts which cannot be denied. Howdreadfulthisis!Howdreadfulthethought,thateverytimeImeetayoungman,ImeetonewhoisinallprobabilityanenemyofGod,--travellinginthebroadwaywhichleadstodestruction,--unfitforheaven!Surely,withsuchfactsbeforeme,youwillnotwonderthatIexhortyou,--youmustallowthereisacause.

(2)Foranotherthing,deathandjudgmentarebeforeyoungmen,evenasothers,andtheynearlyallseemtoforgetit.

Youngmen,itisappointeduntoyouoncetodie;andhoweverstrongandhealthyyoumaybenow,thedayofyourdeathisperhapsverynear.Iseeyoungpeoplesickaswellasold.Iburyyouthfulcorpsesaswellasaged.Ireadthenamesofpersonsnoolderthanyourselvesineverychurchyard.Ilearnfrombooksthat,excepting infancyandoldage,morediebetweenthirteen and twenty-three than at any other seasonof life.And yet youliveasifyouweresureatpresentnottodieatall.

Are you thinking youwillmind these things tomorrow?Remember thewordsofSolomon:"Boastnotthyselfofto-morrow;forthouknowestnotwhatadaymaybringforth"(Prov.27:1)."Seriousthingstomorrow,"saida heathen, [21] to one who warned him of coming danger; but his to-morrow never came. Tomorrow is the devil's day, but to-day is God's.Satancaresnothowspiritualyourintentionsmaybe,andhowholyyourresolutions,ifonlytheyarefixedforto-morrow.Oh,givenotplacetothedevilinthismatter!answerhim,"No:Satan!Itshallbeto-day:to-day."Allmendonotlivetobepatriarchs,likeIsaacandJacob.Manychildrendiebefore their fathers.Davidhad tomourn thedeathofhis two finestsons;Joblostallhistenchildreninoneday.Yourlotmaybelikeoneoftheirs,andwhendeathsummons,itwillbevaintotalkofto-morrow,--youmustgoatonce.

Areyouthinkingyouwillhaveaconvenientseasontomindthesethingsbyandby?SothoughtFelixandtheAthenianstowhomPaulpreached;butitnevercame.Hellispavedwithsuchfancies.Bettermakesureworkwhileyoucan.Leavenothingunsettledthatiseternal.Runnoriskwhenyoursoulisatstake.Believeme,thesalvationofasoulisnoeasymatter.All need a "great" salvation,whether young or old; all need to be bornagain,allneedtobewashedinChrist'sblood,--allneedtobesanctifiedby the Spirit. Happy is that man who does not leave these thingsuncertain,butneverreststillhehasthewitnessof.theSpiritwithinhim,thatheisachildofGod.

Young men, your time is short. Your days are but a span long, -- ashadow,avapour, --a tale that is soon told.Yourbodiesarenotbrass."Even theyoungmen," says Isaiah, "shallutterly fall" (Isa.40:30).Yourhealthmay be taken from you in amoment .' -- it only needs a fall, afever,aninflammation,abrokenblood-vessel,-andthewormwouldsoonfeeduponyou.Thereisbutastepbetweenanyoneofyouanddeath.Thisnightyoursoulmightberequiredofyou.Youarefastgoingthewayofallthe earth, -- youwill soon be gone. Your life is all uncertainty, -- yourdeathandjudgmentareperfectlysure.YoutoomustheartheArchangel'strumpet,andgoforthtostandbeforethegreatwhite throne, --youtoomust obey that summons, which Jerome says was always fining in hisears:"Arise,yedead,andcometojudgment.""SurelyIcomequickly,"is

the language of the JudgeHimself. I cannot, dare not, will not let youalone.

OhthatyouwouldalllaytoheartthewordsofthePreacher:"Rejoice,Oyoungman,inthyyouth,andletthyheartcheertheeinthedaysofthyyouth,andwalkinthewaysofthineheart,andinthesightofthineeyes;but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee intojudgment"(Eccles.11:9).Wonderful, thatwithsuchaprospect,anymancanbecarelessandunconcerned!Surelynonearesomadas thosewhoare content to liveunprepared todie. Surely theunbelief ofmen is themostamazingthingintheworld.WellmaytheclearestprophecyintheBiblebeginwiththesewords,"Whohathbelievedourreport?"(Isa.53:1).Wellmay theLord Jesus say, "When the Son ofman cometh, shallHefind faithon theearth?" (Luke18:8).Youngmen, I fear lest thisbe thereportofmanyofyouinthecourtsabove:"Theywillnotbelieve"I fearlestyoubehurriedoutoftheworld,andawaketofindout,toolate,thatdeath and judgment are realities. I fear all this, and therefore I exhortyou.

(3)Foranotherthing,whatyoungmenwillbe,inallprobabilitydependsonwhattheyarenow,andtheyseemtoforgetthis.

Youth is the seed-time of full age, -- themoulding season in the littlespaceofhumanlife,--theturning-pointinthehistoryofman'smind.

By the shootwe judge of the tree, -- -by the blossomswe judge of thefruit,--bythespringwejudgeoftheharvest,--bythemorningwejudgeof theday, --andby thecharacterof theyoungman,wemaygenerallyjudgewhathewillbewhenhegrowsup.

Youngmen,benotdeceived.Thinknotyoucan,atwill, serve lustsandpleasuresinyourbeginning,andthengoandserveGodwitheaseatyourlatterend.ThinknotyoucanlivewithEsau,andthendiewithJacob.Itisamockery to deal with God and your souls in such a fashion. It is anawfulmockerytosupposeyoucangivetheflowerofyourstrengthtotheworld and thedevil, and thenput off theKingof kingswith the scrapsandleavingsofyourhearts,thewreckandremnantofyourpowers.Itisan awfulmockery, and youmay find to your cost the thing cannot be

done.

Idaresayyouarereckoningonalaterepentance..Youknownotwhatyouaredoing.YouarereckoningwithoutGod.RepentanceandfaitharethegiftsofGod,andgiftsthatHeoftenwithholds,whentheyhavebeenlongofferedinvain.Igrantyoutruerepentanceisnevertoolate,butIwarnyou at the same time, late repentance is seldom true. I grant you, onepenitentthiefwasconvertedinhislasthours,thatnomanmightdespair;but Iwarnyou,onlyonewasconverted, thatnomanmightpresume. Igrantyouit iswritten,Jesus is"abletosavethemtotheuttermostthatcometoGodbyHim"(Heb.7:25).ButIwarnyou,itisalsowrittenbythesameSpirit, "Because I have called, and ye refused, I alsowill laugh atyourcalamity;Iwillmockwhenyourfearcometh"(Prov.1:24-26).

Believeme,youwillfinditnoeasymattertoturntoGodjustwhenyouplease.ItisatruesayingofgoodArchbishopLeighton:"Thewayofsinisdownhill;amancannotstopwhenhewould."HolydesiresandseriousconvictionsarenotliketheservantsoftheCenturion,readytocomeandgo at yourdesire; rather are they like theunicorn in Job, theywill notobey your voice, nor attend at your bidding. It was said of a famousgeneral [22] of old, when he could have taken the city [23] he warredagainst, he would not, and by and by when he would, he could not.Beware,lestthesamekindofeventbefallyouinthematterofeternallife.

WhydoIsayallthis?Isayitbecauseoftheforceofhabit.Isayitbecauseexperience tellsme that people's hearts are seldom changed if they arenot changedwhenyoung.Seldom indeedaremenconvertedwhen theyareold.Habitshavelongroots.Sinonceallowedtonestleinyourbosom,willnotbe turnedoutatyourbidding.Custombecomessecondnature,and its chains are threefold cords not easily broken. Well says theprophet, "Can theEthiopianchangehis skin,or the leopardhis spots?thenmay ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil" (Jer.13:23).Habits are like stones rollingdownhill, the further they roll, the fasterand more ungovernable is their course. Habits, like trees, arestrengthened by age. A boy may bend an oak, when it is a sapling, ahundredmencannotrootitup,whenitisafull-growntree.AchildcanwadeovertheThamesatitsfountain-head,thelargestshipintheworldcanfloatinitwhenitgetsnearthesea.Soitiswithhabits:theolderthe

stronger,thelongertheyhaveheldpossession,thehardertheywillbetocastout.Theygrowwithourgrowth,andstrengthenwithourstrength.Custom is the nurse of sin. Every fresh act of sin lessens fear andremorse, hardens our hearts, blunts the edge of our conscience, andincreasesourevilinclination.

Youngmen,youmayfancyIamlayingtoomuchstressonthispoint.Ifyou had seen old men, as I have done, on the brink of the grave,feelingless,seared,callous,dead,cold,hardasthenethermill-stone,youwould not think so. Believeme, you cannot stand still in the affairs ofyoursouls.Habitsofgoodorevilaredailystrengtheninginyourhearts.EverydayyouareeithergettingnearertoGod,orfurtheroff.Everyyearthat you continue impenitent, the wall of division between you andheavenbecomeshigherandthicker,andthegulftobecrosseddeeperandbroader.Oh,dreadthehardeningeffectofconstantlingeringinsin!Nowistheacceptedtime.Seethatyourflightbenotinthewinterofyourdays.If youseeknot theLordwhenyoung, the strengthofhabit is such thatyouwillprobablyneverseekHimatall.

Ifearthis,andthereforeIexhortyou.

(4)Foranotherthing,thedevilusesspecialdiligencetodestroythesoulsofyoungmen,andtheyseemnottoknowit.

Satan knows well that you will make up the next generation, andthereforeheemployseveryartbetimestomakeyouhisown.Iwouldnothaveyouignorantofhisdevices.

You are those on whom he plays off all his choicest temptations. Hespreads his net with the most watchful carefulness, to entangle yourhearts.Hebaitshis trapswith the sweetestmorsels, toget you intohispower.Hedisplayshiswaresbeforeyoureyeswithhisutmostingenuity,in order to make you buy his sugared poisons, and eat his accurseddainties.Youarethegrandobjectofhisattack.MaytheLordrebukehim,anddeliveryououtofhishands.

Youngmen,bewareofbeingtakenbyhissnares.Hewilltrytothrowdustin your eyes, and prevent you seeing anything in its true colours. He

would fainmake you think evil good, and good evilHewill paint, andgild,anddressupsin, inorder tomakeyou fall in lovewith it.Hewilldeform,andmisrepresent,andcaricaturetruereligion,inordertomakeyoutakeadisliketoit.Hewillexaltthepleasuresofwickedness,--buthewillhidefromyouthesting.Hewillliftupbeforeyoureyesthecrossanditspainfulness,--butHewillkeepoutofsighttheeternalcrown.Hewillpromiseyoueverything,ashedidtoChrist,ifyouwillonlyservehim.Hewillevenhelpyoutowearaformofreligion,ifyouwillonlyneglectthepower.Hewill tell you at the beginning of your lives, it is too soon toserveGod,--hewilltellyouattheend,itistoolate.Oh,benotdeceived!

Youlittleknowthedangeryouareinfromthisenemy;anditisthisveryignorancewhichmakesmeafraid.Youarelikeblindmen,walkingamidstholes and pitfalls; you do not see the perils which are around you oneveryside.

Your enemy is mighty. He is called "The Prince of this world" (John14:30).HeopposedourLordJesusChrist all throughHisministry.HetemptedAdamandEvetoeattheforbiddenfruit,andsobroughtsinanddeath into theworld.He temptedevenDavid, themanafterGod'sownheart, and causedhis latterdays tobe full of sorrow.He tempted evenPeter,thechosenApostle,andmadehimdenyhisLord.Surelyhisenmityisnottobedespised?

Your enemy is restless.He never sleeps.He is always going about as aroaringlion,seekingwhomhemaydevour.Heisevergoingtoandfrointheearth,andwalkingupanddowninit.Youmaybecarelessaboutyoursouls:heisnot.Hewantsthemtomakethemmiserable,likehimself,andwillhavethemifhecan.Surelyhisenmityisnottobedespised?

And your enemy is cunning. For near six thousand years he has beenreadingonebook,andthatbookistheheartofman.Heoughttoknowitwell, and he does know it; all its weakness, all its deceitfulness, all itsfolly.Andhehasastoreof temptations,suchasaremost likelytodo itharm.Neverwillyougototheplacewherehewillnotfindyou.Gointotowns,-hewill be them.Go into awilderness, hewill be there also. Sitamongdrunkardsandrevilers,--andhewillbetheretohelpyou.Listentopreaching,--andhewillbetheretodistractyou.Surelysuchenmityis

nottobedespised?

Youngmen, this enemy is working hard for your destruction, howeverlittle you may think it. You are the prize for which he is speciallycontending.Heforeseesyoumusteitherbetheblessingsorthecursesofyourday,andhe is tryinghardtoeffecta lodgment inyourhearts thusearly, inorder that youmayhelp forwardhiskingdombyandby.Welldoes he understand that to spoil the bud is the surest way tomar theflower.

Ohthatyoureyeswereopened,likethoseofElisha'sservantinDothan!Oh that you did but see what Satan is scheming against your peace! Imust warn you, -- I must exhort you.Whether you will hear or not, Icannot,darenot,leaveyoualone.

(5)Foranotherthing,youngmenneedexhorting,becauseofthesorrowitwillsavethem,tobeginservingGodnow.

Sinisthemotherofallsorrow,andnosortofsinappearstogiveamansomuchmiseryandpainasthesinsofhisyouth.Thefoolishactshedid,thetimehewasted,--themistakeshemade,thebadcompanyhekept,--theharm he did himself, both body and soul, the chances of happiness hethrewaway,theopeningsofusefulnessheneglected;allthesearethingsthatoftenembittertheconscienceofanoldman,throwagloomontheeveningofhisdays,andfill thelaterhoursofhis lifewithself-reproachandshame.

Somemen could tell you of the untimely loss of health, brought on byyouthful sins. Disease racks their limbs with pain, and life is almost aweariness. Their muscular strength is so wasted, that a grasshopperseems a burden. Their eye has become prematurely dim, and theirnaturalforceabated.Thesunoftheirhealthhasgonedownwhileitisyetday,andtheymourntoseetheir fleshandbodyconsumed.Believeme,thisisabittercuptodrink.

Otherscouldgiveyousadaccountsoftheconsequencesofidleness.Theythrew away the golden opportunity for learning. They would not getwisdomat the timewhen theirmindsweremost able to receive it, and

theirmemoriesmostreadytoretainit.Andnowitistoolate.Theyhavenot leisure tositdownand learn.Theyhaveno longer thesamepower,eveniftheyhadtheleisure.Losttimecanneverberedeemed.Thistooisabittercuptodrink.

Otherscouldtellyouofgrievousmistakesinjudgment,fromwhichtheysufferalltheirfiveslong.Theywouldhavetheirownway.Theywouldnottake advice. They formed some connection which has been altogetherruinoustotheirhappiness.Theychoseaprofessionforwhichtheywereentirely unsuited.And they see it all now.But their eyes are only openwhen the mistake cannot be retrieved. Oh, this is also a bitter cup todrink!

Young men, young men, I wish you did but know the comfort of aconsciencenotburdenedwitha long listofyouthfulsins.Theseare thewounds that pierce the deepest. These are the arrows that drink up aman's spirit. This is the iron that enters into the soul. Be merciful toyourselves.SeektheLordearly,andsoyouwillbesparedmanyabittertear.

ThisisthetruththatJobseemstohavefelt.Hesays,"Thouwritestbitterthingsagainstme,andmakestmetopossesstheiniquitiesofmyyouth"(Job13:26).SoalsohisfriendZophar,speakingofthewicked,says,"Hisbonesare fullof thesinsofhisyouth,whichshall liedownwithhiminthedust"(Job20:11).

Davidalsoseemstohavefeltit.HesaystotheLord,"Remembernotthesinsofmyyouth,normytransgressions"(Ps.25:7).

Beza,thegreatSwissReformer,feltitsostrongly,thathenameditinhiswillasaspecialmercythathehadbeencalledoutfromtheworld,bythegraceofGod,attheageofsixteen.

Goandaskbelieversnow,andIthinkmanyanonewilltellyoumuchthesame. "Oh that I could live my young days over again!" he will mostprobablysay.

"OhthatIhadspentthebeginningofmylifeinabetterfashion!OhthatI

hadnotlaidthefoundationofevilhabitssostronglyinthespring-timeofmycourse!"

Youngmen,Iwanttosaveyouallthissorrow,ifIcan.Hellitselfistruthknown too late. Bewise in time.What youth sows, old agemust reap.Give not the most precious season of your life to that which will notcomfortyouinyourlatterend.Sowtoyourselvesratherinrighteousness:breakupyourfallowground,sownotamongthorns.

Sinmaygolightlyfromyourhand,orrunsmoothlyoffyourtonguenow,butdependon it, sinandyouwillmeetagainbyandby,however littleyoumaylikeit.Oldwoundswilloftenacheandgivepainlongaftertheyarehealed,andonlyascarremains:--somayyoufinditwithyoursins.The footprints of animalshavebeen foundon the surface of rocks thatwereoncewetsand,thousandsofyearsaftertheanimalthatmadethemhasperishedandpassedaway;[24]soalsoitmaybewithyoursins.

"Experience,"saystheproverb,"keepsadearschool,butfoolswilllearninnoother."Iwantyoualltoescapethemiseryoflearninginthatschool.Iwantyoutoavoidthewretchednessthatyouthfulsinsaresuretoentail.ThisisthelastreasonwhyIexhortyou.

II.DangersofYoungMen.

2. In the second place, There are some special dangers against whichyoungmenneedtobewarned.

(1)Onedangertoyoungmenispride.

Iknowwellthatallsoulsareinfearfulperil.Oldoryoung,itmattersnot;all have a race to run, a battle to fight, a heart to mortify, a world toovercome,abody tokeepunder,adevil toresist;andwemaywell say,Whoissufficientforthesethings?Butstilleveryageandconditionhasitsownpeculiarsnaresandtemptations,anditiswelltoknowthem.Hethatis forewarned is forearmed. If I can only persuade you to be on yourguardagainstthedangersIamgoingtoname,IamsureIshalldoyour

soulsanessentialservice.

Prideistheoldestsinintheworld.Indeed,itwasbeforetheworld.Satanandhisangelsfellbypride.Theywerenotsatisfiedwiththeirfirstestate.Thuspridestockedhellwithitsfirstinhabitants.

PridecastAdamoutofparadise.HewasnotcontentwiththeplaceGodassignedhim.He tried to raisehimself, and fell. Thus sin, sorrow, anddeathenteredinbypride.

Pridesitsinallourheartsbynature.Wearebornproud.Pridemakesusrestsatisfiedwithourselves,-thinkwearegoodenoughasweare,--stopourearsagainstadvice,--refusethegospelofChrist,--turneveryonetohis own way. But pride never reigns anywhere so powerfully as in theheartofayoungman.

Howcommonis it toseeyoungmenheady,highminded,andimpatientofcounsel!Howoftentheyarerudeanduncourteoustoallaboutthem,thinking they are not valued andhonoured as they deserve!Howoftentheywillnotstoptolistentoahintfromanolderperson!Theythinktheyknow everything. They are full of conceit of their own wisdom. Theyreckonelderlypeople,andespeciallytheirrelations,stupid,anddull,andslow.They fancy theywantno teachingor instruction themselves: theyunderstandallthings.Itmakesthemalmostangrytobespokento.Likeyoung horses, they cannot bear the least control. They must needs beindependent, and have their own way. They seem to think, like thosewhomJobmentioned,"Wearethepeople,andwisdomshalldiewithus"(Job12:2).Andthisisallpride.

Such an one was Rehoboam, who despised the counsel of the oldexperienced men who stood before his father, and hearkened to theadvice of the young men of his own generation. He lived to reap theconsequencesofhisfolly.Therearemanylikehim.

Suchanonewas theprodigal son in theparable,whomustneedshavetheportionofgoodswhichfell tohim,andsetupforhimself.Hecouldnotsubmittolivequietlyunderhisfather'sroof,butwouldgointoafarcountry, and be his ownmaster. Like the little child that will leave its

mother'shandandwalkalone,hesoonsmartedforhisfolly.Hebecamewiserwhenhehadtoeathuskswiththeswine.Buttherearemanylikehim.

Youngmen,Ibeseechyouearnestly,bewareofpride.Twothingsaresaidtobeveryraresightsintheworld,oneisayoungmanhumble,andtheotherisanoldmancontent.Ifearthissayingisonlytootrue.

Be not proud of your own abilities, your own strength, -- your ownknowledge,--yourownappearance,yourowncleverness.Benotproudofyourself, and your endowments of any kind. It all comes from notknowingyourselfandtheworld.Theolderyougrow,andthemoreyousee, the less reason you will find for being proud. Ignorance andinexperiencearethepedestalofpride;onceletthepedestalberemoved,andpridewillsooncomedown.

RememberhowoftenScripturesetsbeforeustheexcellenceofahumblespirit.Howstronglywearewarned"nottothinkofourselvesmorehighlythan we ought to think"! (Rom.12:3). How plainly we are told, "If anymanthinkthatheknowethanything,heknowethnothingyetasheoughttoknow"!(1Cor.8:2).Howstrictisthecommand,"Putonhumblenessofmind"! (Col.3:12). And again, "Be clothedwith humility" (1 Pet.5:5).Alas,thisisagarmentofwhichmanyseemnottohavesomuchasarag.

ThinkofthegreatexampleourLordJesusChristleavesusinthisrespect.HewashedthefeetofHisdisciples,saying,"YeshoulddoasIhavedonetoyou"(John13:15).Itiswritten,"ThoughHewasrich,yetforyoursakesHe became poor" (2 Cor.8:9). And again, "He made Himself of noreputation,andtookuponHimthe formofaservant,andwasmade inthe likenessofmen;andbeing found in fashionasaman,HehumbledHimself"(Phil.2:7-8).Surelytobeproudistobemorelikethedevilandfallen Adam, than like Christ. Surely it can never be mean and low-spiritedtobelikeHim.

Thinkof thewisestmanthatever lived-- ImeanSolomon.Seehowhespeaksofhimselfasa"littlechild,"--asonewho"knewnothowtogooutor come in," or manage for himself (1 Kings 3:7-8). That was a verydifferentspiritfromhisbrotherAbsalom's,whothoughthimselfequalto

anything:"OhthatIweremadejudgeintheland,thateverymanwhichhathanysuitorcausemightcomeuntome,andIwoulddohimjustice"(2Sam.15:4).ThatwasaverydifferentspiritfromhisbrotherAdonijah's,who"exaltedhimself,saying,Iwillbeking"(1Kings1:5).Humilitywasthe beginning of Solomon's wisdom. He writes it down as his ownexperience, "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is morehopeofafoolthanofhim"(Prov.26:12).

Young men, lay to heart the Scriptures here quoted. Do not be tooconfident in your own judgment. Cease to be sure that you are alwaysright, and otherswrong. Be distrustful of your own opinion, when youfinditcontrarytothatofoldermenthanyourselves,andspeciallytothatof your own parents. Age gives experience, and therefore deservesrespect.ItisamarkofElihu'swisdom,inthebookofJob,that"hewaitedtill Job had spoken, because theywere older than himself" (Job 32:4).Andafterwardshesaid,"Iamyoung,andyouareveryold;whereforeIwas afraid, and durst not show youmine opinion. I said, Days shouldspeak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom" (Job 32:6-7).Modesty and silence are beautiful graces in young people. Never beashamedofbeingalearner:Jesuswasoneattwelveyears;whenHewasfound in the temple, He was "sitting in themidst of the doctors, bothhearing them,andasking themquestions" (Luke2:46).Thewisestmenwouldtellyoutheyarealwayslearners,andarehumbledtofindafterallhowlittletheyknow.ThegreatSirIsaacNewtonusedtosaythathefelthimself no better than a little child,whohad picked up a fewpreciousstonesontheshoreoftheseaofknowledge.

Youngmen,ifyouwouldbewise,ifyouwouldbehappy,rememberthewarningIgiveyou,Bewareofpride.

(2)Anotherdangertoyoungmenistheloveofpleasure.

Youth is the time when our passions are strongest, -- and like unrulychildren,crymostloudlyforindulgence.Youthisthetimewhenwehavegenerallymosthealthandstrength:deathseems faraway,and toenjoyourselves in this life seems everything. Youth is the time when mostpeoplehavefewearthlycaresoranxietiestotakeuptheirattention.Andall these things help tomake youngmen think of nothing somuch as

pleasure. "I serve lusts and pleasures:" that is the true answermany ayoungmanshouldgive,ifasked,"Whoseservantareyou?"

Youngmen,timewouldfailmeifIweretotellyouallthefruitsthisloveofpleasureproduces,andallthewaysinwhichitmaydoyouharm.Whyshould I speak of revelling, feasting, drinking, gambling, theatre-going,dancing,andthelike?Fewaretobefoundwhodonotknowsomethingofthesethingsbybitterexperience.Andtheseareonlyinstances.Allthingsthat give a feeling of excitement for the time, -- all things that drownthought,andkeepthemindinaconstantwhirl,--all thingsthatpleasethesensesandgratifytheflesh;-- thesearethesortof thingsthathavemightypoweratyourtimeoflife,andtheyowetheirpowertotheloveofpleasure. Be on your guard. Be not like those of whom Paul speaks,"LoversofpleasuremorethanloversofGod"(2Tim.3:4).

RememberwhatIsay:ifyouwouldcleavetoearthlypleasures,thesearethe things which murder souls. There is no surer way to get a searedconscienceandahardimpenitentheart,thantogivewaytothedesiresofthefleshandmind.Itseemsnothingatfirst,butittellsinthelongrun.

ConsiderwhatPetersays:"Abstainfromfleshlylusts,whichwaragainstthe soul" (1 Pet.2:11). They destroy the soul's peace, break down itsstrength,leaditintohardcaptivity,makeitaslave.

Consider what Paul says: "Mortify your members which are upon theearth"(Col.3:5)."TheythatareChrist'shavecrucifiedtheflesh,with itsaffectionsandlusts"(Gal.5:24)."Ikeepundermybody,andbringitintosubjection"(1Cor.9:27).Oncethebodywasaperfectmansionofthesoul;mnowitisallcorruptanddisordered,andneedsconstantwatching.Itisaburdentothesoul,--notahelpmeet;ahindrance,--notanassistance.Itmaybecomeausefulservant,butitisalwaysabadmaster.

Consider,again,thewordsofPaul:"PutyeontheLordJesusChrist,andmakenotprovisionfortheflesh,tofulfiltheluststhereof"(Rom.13:14)."These," says Leighton, "are the words, the very reading of which sowroughtwithAugustine, that froma licentious youngmanhe turned afaithfulservantofJesusChrist."Youngmen,Iwishthismightbethecasewithallofyou.

Remember, again, if you will cleave to earthly pleasures, they are allunsatisfying,empty,andvain.LikethelocustsofthevisioninRevelation,theyseemtohavecrownsontheirheads:butlikethesamelocusts,youwillfindtheyhavestings,--realstings,--intheirtails.Allisnotgoldthatglitters. All is not good that tastes sweet. All is not real pleasure thatpleasesforatime.

Goandtakeyourfillofearthlypleasures ifyouwill,youwillneverfindyourheartsatisfiedwiththem.Therewillalwaysbeavoicewithin,crying,likethehorse-leechintheProverbs,"Give,give!"Thereisanemptyplacethere,whichnothingbutGodcan fill.Youwill find, asSolomondidbyexperience, that earthly pleasures are but a vain show, -- vanity andvexation of spirit, -- whited sepulchres, fair to look at without, full ofashesandcorruptionwithin.Betterbewiseintime.Betterwrite"poison"on all earthly pleasures. The most lawful of them must be used withmoderation.Allofthemaresoul-destroyingifyougivethemyourheart.[25]

AndhereIwillnotshrinkfromwarningallyoungmentoremembertheseventh commandment; to beware of adultery and fornication, of allimpurityofeverykind. I fear there isoftenawantofplainspeakingonthispart ofGod's law.Butwhen I seehowprophets andApostleshavedealt with this subject, -- when I observe the open way in which theReformersofourownChurchdenounce it, --whenIseethenumberofyoung men who walk in the footsteps of Reuben, and Hophni, andPhinehas,andAmnon,--Iforonecannot,withagoodconscience,holdmy peace. I doubt whether the world is any better for the excessivesilencewhichprevailsuponthiscommandment.Formyownpart,Ifeelitwouldbefalseandunscripturaldelicacy,inaddressingyoungmen,nottospeakofthatwhichispre-eminently"theyoungman'ssin."

Thebreachoftheseventhcommandmentisthesinaboveallothers,that,asHoseasays,"takesawaytheheart"(Hos.4:11).Itisthesinthatleavesdeeperscarsuponthesoulthananysinthatamancancommit.Itisasinthatslaysitsthousandsineveryage,andhasoverthrownnotafewofthesaintsofGodintimepast.Lot,andSamson,andDavidarefearfulproofs.It is the sin that man dares to smile at, and smoothes over under thenamesofgaiety,unsteadiness,wildness,andirregularity.Butitisthesin

thatthedevilpeculiarlyrejoicesover,forheisthe"uncleanspirit;"anditis the sin that God peculiarly abhors, and declares He "will judge"(Heb.13:4).

Youngmen, "flee fornication" (1Cor.6:18) if you love life. "Let nomandeceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh thewrath of God upon the children of disobedience" (Eph.5:6). Flee theoccasionsof it,--thecompanyofthosewhomightdrawyouintoit,theplaceswhereyoumightbetemptedtoit.ReadwhatourLordsaysaboutitinMatt.5:28.BelikeholyJob:"Makeacovenantwithyoureyes"(Job31:1).Fleetalkingofit.Itisoneofthethingsthatoughtnotsomuchastobenamed.Youcannothandlepitchandnotbedefiled.Fleethethoughtsofit;resistthem,mortifythem,prayagainstthem,--makeanysacrificeratherthangiveway.Imaginationisthehotbedwherethissinistoooftenhatched.Guardyourthoughts,andthereislittlefearaboutyourdeeds.

ConsiderthecautionIhavebeengiving.Ifyouforgetallelse,donotletthisbeforgotten.

(3)Anotherdangertoyoungmenisthoughtlessnessandinconsideration.

Want of thought is one simple reasonwhy thousands of souls are castawayforever.Menwillnotconsider,willnotlookforward,willnotlookaroundthem,--willnotreflectontheendoftheirpresentcourse,andthesureconsequencesoftheirpresentways,--andawakeatlasttofindtheyaredamnedforwantofthinking.

Youngmen,noneareinmoredangerofthisthanyourselves.Youknowlittleoftheperilsaroundyou,andsoyouareheedlesshowyouwalk.Youhatethetroubleofsober,quietthinking,andsoyouformwrongdecisionsand run your heads into sorrow. Young Esau must needs have hisbrother'spottageandsellhisbirthright:heneverthoughthowmuchheshouldonedaywantit.YoungSimeonandLevimustneedsavengetheirsisterDinah,andslaytheShechemites:theyneverconsideredhowmuchtroubleandanxietytheymightbringontheirfatherJacobandhishouse.Jobseemstohavebeenspeciallyafraidofthisthoughtlessnessamonghischildren:it iswritten,thatwhentheyhadafeast,and"thedaysoftheirfeastingweregoneabout,Jobsentandsanctifiedthem,androseupearly

in themorningandofferedburnt-offerings,according to thenumberofthemall: for Job said, Itmaybe thatmy sonshave sinned, and cursedGodintheirhearts.ThusdidJobcontinually"(Job1:5).

Believeme, this world is not a world inwhichwe can dowell withoutthinking,andleastofalldowellinthematterofoursouls."Don'tthink,"whispersSatan:heknows thatanunconvertedheart is likeadishonesttradesman's books, it will not bear close inspection. " Consider yourways," says theWord of God, stop and think, -- consider and bewise.WellsaystheSpanishproverb,"Hurrycomesfromthedevil."Justasmenmarry inhasteand thenrepentat leisure, so theymakemistakesabouttheir souls in a minute, and then suffer for it for years. Just as a badservantdoeswrong,andthensays,"Inevergaveitathought,"soyoungmenrunintosin,andthensay,"Ididnotthinkaboutit,--itdidnotlooklike sin."Not look like sin!Whatwouldyouhave?Sinwillnot come toyou,saying,"Iamsin;"itwoulddolittleharmifitdid.Sinalwaysseems"good,andpleasant,anddesirable,"at the timeof commission.Oh,getwisdom, get discretion!Remember thewords of Solomon: "Ponder thepathsofthyfeet,andletthywaysbeestablished"(Prov.4:26).ItisawisesayingofLordBacon,"Donothingrashly.Stayalittle,thatyoumakeanendthesooner."

Some,Idaresay,willobjectthatIamaskingwhatisunreasonable;thatyouth is not the time of life when people ought to be grave andthoughtful.Ianswer, there is littledangerof theirbeingtoomuchso inthe present day. Foolish talking, and jesting, and joking, and excessivemerriment,areonlytoocommon.Doubtlessthereisatimeforallthings;but to be always light and trifling is anything but wise.What says thewisestofmen?"Itisbettertogotothehouseofmourningthantogotothehouseoffeasting:forthatistheendofallmen;andthelivingwilllayit to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of thecountenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in thehouse of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth"(Eccles.7:2-4).MatthewHenry tellsa storyofagreat statesman[26] inQueenElizabeth'stime,whoretiredfrompubliclifeinhislatterdays,andgavehimselfuptoseriousthought.Hisformergaycompanionscametovisithim,andtoldhimhewasbecomingmelancholy:"No,"hereplied,"I

am serious; for all are serious round about me. God is serious inobservingus,--Christisseriousinintercedingforus,theSpiritisseriousin striving with us, -- the truths of God are serious, -- our spiritualenemiesareseriousintheirendeavourstoruinus,--poorlostsinnersareseriousinhell;--andwhythenshouldnotyouandIbeserioustoo?"

Oh,youngmen, learn tobe thoughtful!Learn to considerwhatyouaredoing, and whither you are going. Make time for calm reflection.Communewithyourownheart,andbestill.Remembermycaution:--Donotbelostmerelyforthewantofthought.

(4)Anotherdangertoyoungmeniscontemptofreligion.

Thisalsoisoneofyourspecialdangers.Ialwaysobservethatnonepaysolittleoutwardrespecttoreligionasyoungmen.Noneattendsobadlyonmeans of grace, none take so little part in our services, when they arepresentatthem,--useBiblesandPrayerBookssolittle,--singsolittle,--listen to preaching so little. None are so generally absent at prayer-meetings, and lectures, and all suchweek-day helps to the soul. Youngmenseemtothinktheydonotneedthesethings,--theymaybegoodforwomenandoldmen,butnotforthem.Theyappearashamedofseemingto care about their souls: one would almost fancy they reckoned it adisgracetogotoheavenatall.Andthisiscontemptofreligion;--itisthesamespiritwhichmadetheyoungpeopleofBethelmockElisha;--andofthisspiritIsaytoallyoungmen,Beware!If itbeworthwhiletohaveareligion,itisworthwhiletobeinearnestaboutit.

Contempt of holy things is the high road to infidelity. Once let amanbegintomakeajestandjokeofanypartofChristianity,andIamneversurprisedtohearthathehasturnedoutadownrightunbeliever.

Youngmen,haveyoureallymadeupyourmindstothis?Haveyoufairlylooked into the gulf which is before you, if you persist in despisingreligion?CalltomindthewordsofDavid:"Thefoolhathsaidinhisheart,ThereisnoGod"(Ps.14:1).Thefool,andnonebutthefool!--Hehassaidit:buthehasneverprovedit!Remember,ifevertherewasabookwhichhasbeenprovedtrue frombeginning toend,byeverykindofevidence,thatbookistheBible.Ithasdefiedtheattacksofallenemiesandfault-

finders. "TheWord of the Lord is indeed tried" (Ps.18:30). It has beentriedineveryway,andthemoreithasbeentried,themoreevidentlyhasitbeen shown tobe theveryhandiworkofGodHimself.Whatwill youbelieve,ifyoudonotbelievetheBible?Thereisnochoicebuttobelievesomethingridiculousandabsurd.[27]Dependonit,nomanissogrosslycredulousasthemanwhodeniestheBibletobetheWordofGod;--andifitbetheWordofGod,takeheedthatyoudespiseitnot.

Menmaytellyoutherearedifficulties in theBible; -- thingshardtobeunderstood. Itwould not beGod's book if therewere not. Andwhat ifthereare?Youdonotdespisemedicinesbecauseyoucannotexplainallthat your doctor does by them. But whatevermenmay say, the thingsneedfultosalvationareasclearasdaylight.Beverysureofthis,--peoplenever reject the Bible because they cannot understand it. Theyunderstanditonlytoowell;theyunderstandthatitcondemnstheirownbehaviour;theyunderstandthatitwitnessesagainsttheirownsins,andsummons them to judgment. They try to believe it is false and useless,becausetheydonotliketoallowitistrue."Abadlife,"saidthecelebratedLordRochester,layinghishandontheBible,"abadlifeistheonlygrandobjection to this book." "Men question the truth of Christianity," saysSouth,"becausetheyhatethepracticeofit."

Youngmen,whendidGodever fail tokeepHisword?Never.WhatHehas said,Hehasalwaysdone; andwhatHehas spoken,Hehasalwaysmadegood.DidHefailtokeepHiswordattheflood?--No.DidHefailwith Sodom and Gomorrah? -- No. Did He fail with unbelievingJerusalem?--No.HasHefailedwiththeJewsuptothisveryhour?--No.He has never failed to fulfil His word. Take care, lest you be foundamongstthosebywhomGod'sWordisdespised.

:Neverlaughatreligion.Nevermakeajestofsacredthings.Nevermockthose who are serious and in earnest about their souls. The timemaycomewhenyouwill count thosehappywhomyou laughedat, --a timewhen your laughterwill be turned into sorrow, and yourmockery intoheaviness.

(5)Anotherdangertoyoungmenisthefearofman'sopinion.

"Thefearofman"doesindeed"bringasnare"(Prov.29:25).Itisterribletoobserve thepowerwhich ithasovermostminds,andespeciallyoverthemindsoftheyoung.Fewseemtohaveanyopinionsoftheirown,ortothink for themselves. Like dead fish, they gowith the stream and tide:whatothersthinkright,theythinkright;andwhatotherscallwrong,theycallwrongtoo.Therearenotmanyoriginal thinkers intheworld.Mostmenarelikesheep,theyfollowaleader.Ifitwasthefashionofthedaytobe Romanists, they would be Romanists, -- if to beMahometans, theywouldbeMahometans.Theydreadtheideaofgoingagainstthecurrentof the times. In aword, the opinion of the day becomes their religion,theircreed,theirBible,andtheirGod.

The thought, "What will my friends say or think of me?" nipsmany agoodinclinationinthebud.Thefearofbeingobservedupon,laughedat,ridiculed,preventsmanyagoodhabitbeing takenup.ThereareBiblesthatwould be read this very day, if the owners dared. They know theyoughttoreadthem,buttheyareafraid:--"Whatwillpeoplesay?"Therearekneesthatwouldbebentinprayerthisverynight,butthefearofmanforbidsit:--"Whatwouldmywife,mybrother,myfriend,mycompanionsay,iftheysawmepraying?"Alas,whatwretchedslaverythisis,andyethow common! "I feared the people," said Saul to Samuel: and so hetransgressedthecommandmentoftheLord(1Sam.15:24)."Iamafraidofthe Jews," said Zedekiah, the graceless king of Judah: and so hedisobeyed the advicewhich Jeremiah gave him (Jer.38:19).Herodwasafraidofwhathisguestswouldthinkofhim:sohedidthatwhichmadehim "exceeding sorry," -- he beheaded John the Baptist. Pilate fearedoffendingtheJews:sohedidthatwhichheknewinhisconsciencewasunjust,hedeliveredupJesustobecrucified.Ifthisbenotslavery,whatis?

Youngmen,Iwantyoualltobefreefromthisbondage.Iwantyoueachtocarenothingforman'sopinion,whenthepathofdutyisclear.Believeme, it is a great thing to be able to say "No!" Here was good KingJehoshaphat'sweakpoint,--hewastooeasyandyieldinginhisdealingswithAhab,andhencemanyofhis troubles (1Kings22:4).Learntosay"No!"Letnotthefearofnotseeminggood-naturedmakeyouunabletodo it. When sinners entice you, be able to say decidedly, "I will not

consent"(Prov.1:10).

Consideronlyhowunreasonable this fearofman is.Howshort-lived isman's enmity, and how little harmhe can do you!"Who art thou, thatthoushouldestbeafraidofamanthatshalldie,andof thesonofman,which shall be as grass: and forgettest the Lord thy Maker, that hathstretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth?"(Isa.51:12-13). And how thankless is this fear! None will really thinkbetterofyouforit.TheworldalwaysrespectsthosemostwhoactboldlyforGod.Oh,breakthesebonds,andcastthesechainsfromyou!Neverbeashamedoflettingmenseeyouwanttogotoheaven.ThinkitnodisgracetoshowyourselfaservantofGod.Neverbeafraidofdoingwhatisright.

Remember thewords of the Lord Jesus: "Fear not themwhich kill thebody,butarenotabletokillthesoul:butratherfearHimwhichisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell"(Matt.10:28).OnlytrytopleaseGod,and He can soonmake others pleased with you. "When a man's waysplease the Lord, hemaketh even his enemies to be at peacewith him"(Prov.16:7).

Youngmen,beof good courage. --Carenot forwhat theworld saysorthinks:youwillnotbewith theworldalways.Canmansaveyoursoul?No.Willmanbeyourjudgeinthegreatanddreadfuldayofaccount?-No.Canmangiveyouagoodconscienceinlife,agoodhopeindeath,agoodanswerinthemorningofresurrection?No!no!no!Mancandonothingofthesort.Then"fearnotthereproachofmen,neitherbeafraidoftheirrevilings: for themoth shall eat themup likeagarment, and thewormshall eat them like wool" (Isa.51:7-8). Call to mind the saying of goodColonelGardiner:"IfearGod,andthereforeIhavenoneelsetofear."Goandbelikehim.

Such are the warning I give you. Lay them to heart. They are worththinking over. I ammuchmistaken if they are not greatly needed. TheLordgranttheymaynothavebeengivenyouinvain.

III.GeneralCounselstoYoungMen.

3.Inthethirdplace,Iwishtogivesomegeneralcounsels

toyoungmen.

(1)Foronething,trytogetaclearviewoftheevilofsin.

Youngmen,ifyoudidbutknowwhatsinis,andwhatsinhasdone,youwouldnotthinkitstrangethatIexhortyouasIdo.Youdonotseeitinitstrue colours. Your eyes are naturally blind to its guilt and danger, andhenceyoucannotunderstandwhatmakesmesoanxiousaboutyou.Oh,letnotthedevilsucceedinpersuadingyouthatsinisasmallmatter!

Think for a moment what the Bible says about sin;-how it dwellsnaturally in the heart of every man and woman alive (Eccles.7:20;Rom.3:23), -- how it defiles our thoughts,words, and actions, and thatcontinually (Gen.6:5; Matt.15:19), -- how it renders us all guilty andabominable in the sight of a holy God (Isa.64:6; Hab.1:13), -- how itleaves us utterly without hope of salvation, if we look to ourselves(Ps.143:2; Rom.3:20), -- how its fruit in this world is shame, and itswages in the world to come, death (Rom.6:21-23). Think calmly of allthis.Itellyouthisday,itisnotmoresadtobedyingofconsumption,andnottoknowit,thanitistobealivingman,andnotknowit.

Thinkwhatanawfulchangesinhasworkedonallournatures.ManisnolongerwhathewaswhenGodformedhimoutofthedustoftheground.HecameoutofGod'shanduprightandsinless(Eccles.7:29).Inthedayofhis creationhewas, likeeverythingelse, "verygood" (Gen.1:31).Andwhat is man now? -- A fallen creature, a ruin, a being that shows themarks of corruption all over, his heart like Nebuchadnezzar, degradedandearthly,lookingdownandnotup,--hisaffectionslikeahouseholdindisorder, calling nomanmaster, all extravagance and confusion, -- hisunderstandinglikealampflickeringinthesocket,impotenttoguidehim,notknowinggood fromevil, --hiswill like a rudderless ship, tossed toand fro by every desire, and constant only in choosing any way ratherthanGod's.Alas,whatawreckisman,comparedtowhathemighthavebeen! Well may we understand such figures being used as blindness,deafness,disease,sleep,death,whentheSpirithastogiveusapictureofmanasheis.Andmailasheis,remember,wassomadebysin.

Think,too,whatithascosttomakeatonementforsin,andtoprovideapardonand forgiveness for sinners.God'sownSonmust come into theworld, and take uponHimour nature, in order to pay the price of ourredemption,anddeliverusfromthecurseofabrokenlaw.HewhowasinthebeginningwiththeFather,andbywhomallthingsweremade,mustsufferforsinthejustfortheunjust,--mustdiethedeathofamalefactor,beforethewaytoheavencanbelaidopentoanysoul.SeetheLordJesusChristdespisedandrejectedofmen,scourged,mocked,andinsulted;--beholdHimbleedingonthecrossofCalvary;--hearHimcryinginagony,"MyGod,MyGod,whyhastThouforsakenMe?"markhowthesunwasdarkened,andtherocksrentatthesight;-andthenconsider,youngmen,whatmustbetheevilandguiltofsin.

Think,also,whatsinhasdonealreadyupontheearth.ThinkhowitcastAdamandEveoutofEden, -- --brought the floodupon theoldworld,caused fire to comedownon SodomandGomorrah, drownedPharaohand his host in the Red Sea, destroyed the seven wicked nations ofCanaan,scatteredthetwelvetribesofIsraeloverthefaceoftheglobe.Sinalonedidallthis.

Think,moreover,ofallthemiseryandsorrowthatsinhascaused,andiscausing at this veryday.Pain, disease, anddeath, strifes, quarrels, anddivisions, envy, jealousy, and malice, deceit, fraud, and cheating,violence, oppression, and robbery, selfishness, unkindness, andingratitude;allthesearethefruitsofsin.Sinistheparentofthemall.SinitisthathassomarredandspoiledthefaceofGod'screation.

Young men, consider these things, and you will not wonder that wepreachaswedo.Surely, if youdidbut thinkof them,youwouldbreakwithsinforever.Willyouplaywithpoison?Willyousportwithhell?Willyou take fire in your hand?Will you harbour your deadliest enemy inyourbosom?Willyougoonlivingasifitmatterednothingwhetheryourownsinswereforgivenornot,whethersinhaddominionoveryou,oryouoversin?Oh,awaketoasenseofsin'ssinfulnessanddanger!Rememberthe words of Solomon: "Fools," none but fools, "make a mock at sin"(Prov.14:9).

Hear, then, the request that I make of you this day, -- pray that God

wouldteachyou"therealevilofsin.Asyouwouldhaveyoursoulsaved,ariseandpray.

(2) For another thing, seek to become acquaintedwith our Lord JesusChrist.

Thisis,indeed,theprincipalthinginreligion.Thisisthecorner-stoneofChristianity.Tillyouknowthis,mywarningsandadvicewillbeuseless,and your endeavours, whatever they may be, will be in vain. A watchwithoutamainspringisnotmoreunserviceablethanisreligionwithoutChrist.

But let me not be misunderstood. It is not the mere knowing Christ'snamethatImean,--itistheknowingHismercy,grace,andpower,theknowingHimnotbythehearingoftheear,butbytheexperienceofyourhearts. IwantyoutoknowHimby faith, -- Iwantyou,asPaulsays, toknow"thepowerofHisresurrection;beingmadeconformableuntoHisdeath" (Phil.3:10). Iwantyou tobeable to sayofHim,He ismypeaceand my strength, my life and my consolation, my Physician and myShepherd,mySaviourandmyGod.

WhydoImakesuchapointof this?Ido itbecause inChristalone"allfulnessdwells"(Col.1:19),--becauseinHimalonethereisfullsupplyofallthatwerequireforthenecessitiesofoursouls.Ofourselvesweareallpoor,emptycreatures,---emptyofrighteousnessandpeace,--emptyofstrength and comfort, -- -empty of courage and patience, -- -empty ofpower to stand, or go on, or make progress in this evil world. It is inChrist alone that all these things are to be found, -- -- grace, peace,wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It is just inproportionaswebyeuponHim,thatwearestrongChristians.ItisonlywhenselfisnothingandChristisallourconfidence,itisthenonlythatweshalldogreatexploits.Thenonlyarewearmedforthebattleof life,andshallovercome.Thenonlyarewepreparedforthejourneyoflife,andshallgetforward.ToliveonChristintodrawallfromChrist,--todoallinthestrengthofChrist,--tobeeverlookinguntoChrist;--thisisthetruesecret of spiritual prosperity. "I can do all things," says Paul, "throughChristwhichstrengthenethme"(Phil.4:13).

Youngmen,IsetbeforeyouJesusChristthisday,asthetreasuryofyoursouls;andIinviteyoutobeginbygoingtoHim,ifyouwouldsorunastoobtain.Letthisbeyourfirststep,--gotoChrist.Doyouwanttoconsultfriends? -- He is the best friend: "a friend that sticketh closer than abrother" (Prov.18:24).Doyou feelunworthybecauseofyour sins?Fearnot:Hisbloodcleanseth fromall sin.Hesays, "Thoughyour sinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow:thoughtheyberedlikecrimson,theyshallbeaswool"(Isa.1:18).Doyoufeelweak,andunabletofollowHim?-- --Fearnot:HewillEveyoupower tobecomesonsofGod.HewillgiveyoutheHolyGhosttodwellinyou,andsealyouforHisown;anewheartwillHegiveyou,andanewspiritwillHeputwithinyou.Areyou troubledor besetwithpeculiar infirmities? -- Fearnot: there is noevilspiritthatJesuscannotcastout,--thereisnodiseaseofsoulthatHecannot heal.Do you feel doubts and fears? -- Cast them aside: " ComeuntoMe,"Hesays;"himthatcomethIwillinnowisecastout."Heknowswell the heart of a young man. He knows your trials and yourtemptations,yourdifficultiesandyour foes. In thedaysofHis fleshHewaslikeyourselves,--ayoungmanatNazareth.Heknowsbyexperiencea young man's mind. He can be touched with the feeling of yourinfirmities,- forHe sufferedHimself, being tempted. Surely youwill bewithoutexcuseifyouturnawayfromsuchaSaviourandFriendasthis.

Hear the request I make of you this day, -- -if you love life, seek tobecomeacquaintedwithJesusChrist.

(3)Foranother thing,never forget thatnothing isso importantasyoursoul.

Yoursouliseternal.Itwillliveforever.Theworldandallthatitcontainsshallpassaway, -- firm,solid,beautiful,well-orderedas it is, theworldshallcometoanend."Theearthandtheworksthatarethereinshallbeburned up" (2 Pet.3:10). The works of statesmen, writers, painters,architects,areallshort-lived:yoursoulwilloutlivethemall.Theangel'svoiceshallproclaimoneday,that"Timeshallbenolonger"(Rev.10:6).--Butthatshallneverbesaidofyoursouls.

Try, I beseech you, to realize the fact, that your soul is the one thingworth living for. It is the part of you which ought always to be first

considered.Noplace,noemploymentisgoodforyou,whichinjuresyoursoul.Nofriend,nocompaniondeservesyourconfidence,whomakeslightofyoursoul'sconcerns.Themanwhohurtsyourperson,yourproperty,yourcharacter,doesyoubuttemporaryharm.Heisthetrueenemywhocontrivestodamageyoursoul.

Thinkforamomentwhatyouweresentintotheworldfor.Notmerelytoeatanddrink,andindulgethedesiresoftheflesh,--notmerelytodressout yourbody, and follow its lustswhithersoever theymay lead you, --notmerelytowork,andsleep,andlaugh,andtalk,andenjoyyourselves,andthinkofnothingbuttime.No!youweremeantforsomethinghigherandbetterthanthis.Youwereplacedheretotrainforeternity.Yourbodywasonlyintendedtobeahouseforyourimmortalspirit.ItisflyinginthefaceofGod'spurposestodoasmanydo,--tomakethesoulaservanttothebody,andnotthebodyaservanttothesoul.[28]

Youngmen,Godisnorespecterofpersons.Heregardsnoman'scoat,orpurse,orrank,orposition.Heseesnotwithman'seyes.Thepoorestsaintthat ever died in a workhouse is nobler in His sight than the richestsinner that ever died in a palace. God does not look at riches, titles,learning,beauty,oranythingof thekind.OnethingonlyGoddoes lookat,andthatistheimmortalsoul.Hemeasuresallmenbyonestandard,onemeasure,onetest,onecriterion,andthatisthestateoftheirsouls.

Donotforgetthis.Keepinview,morning,noon,andnight,theinterestsofyoursoul.Riseupeachdaydesiring that itmayprosper, -- liedowneach evening inquiring of yourself whether it has really got on.RememberZeuxis,thegreatpainterofold.Whenmenaskedhimwhyhelabouredsointensely,andtooksuchextremepainswitheverypicture,hissimpleanswerwas, "Ipaint foreternity."Donotbeashamed tobe likehim.Setyour immortalsoulbeforeyourmind'seye,andwhenmenaskyouwhyyouliveasyoudo,answertheminhisspirit,"Iliveformysoul."Believeme, the day is fast comingwhen the soulwill be the one thingmenwillthinkof,andtheonlyquestionofimportancewillbethis,"Ismysoullostorsaved?"

(4)Foranotherthing,rememberitispossibletobeayoungmanandyettoserveGod.

I fear the snares that Satan lays for you on this point. I fear lest hesucceed in filling your minds with the vain notion, that to be a trueChristian inyouth is impossible. Ihaveseenmanycarriedawayby thisdelusion. I have heard it said, "You are requiring impossibilities inexpecting so much religion from young people. Youth is no time forseriousness. Our desires are strong, and it was never intended thatweshould keep themunder, as youwish us to do.Godmeant us to enjoyourselves. There will be time enough for religion by and by." And thiskindoftalkisonlytoomuchencouragedbytheworld.Theworldisonlytooreadytowinkatyouthfulsins.Theworldappearstothinkitamatterofcoursethatyoungmenmust"sowtheirwildoats."Theworldseemstotake it for granted young peoplemust be irreligious, and that it is notpossibleforthemtofollowChrist.

Youngmen, Iwill ask you this simple question, --Wherewill you findanythingofallthisintheWordofGod?WhereisthechapterorverseintheBiblewhichwillsupportthistalkingandreasoningoftheworld?DoesnottheBiblespeaktooldandyoungalike,withoutdistinction?Isnotsin,sin, whether committed at the age of twenty or fifty?Will it form theslightestexcuse,inthedayofjudgment,tosay,"IknowIsinned,butthenIwasyoung"?Showyourcommonsense,Ibegofyou,bygivingupsuchvainexcuses.YouareresponsibleandaccountabletoGodfromtheverymomentthatyouknowrightandwrong.

Iknowwell therearemanydifficulties inayoungman'sway, Iallow itfully.Buttherearealwaysdifficultiesinthewayofdoingright.Thepathtoheavenisalwaysnarrow,whetherwebeyoungorold.

Therearedifficulties,---butGodwillgiveyougracetoovercomethem.God is no hardmaster.Hewill not, like Pharaoh, require you tomakebricks without straw.He will take care the path of plain duty is neverimpossible.Henever laid commandsonmanwhichHewouldnot givemanpowertoperform.

There are difficulties, but many a young man has overcome themhitherto,andsomayyou.Moseswasayoungmanof likepassionswithyourselves; --but seewhat is saidofhim inScripture: "By faithMoses,when he was come to age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's

daughter;choosingrathertosufferafflictionwiththepeopleofGod,thanto enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach ofChristgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresofEgypt:forhehadrespectuntotherecompenseofthereward"(Heb.11:24-26).Danielwasayoungmanwhen he began to serve God in Babylon. He was surrounded bytemptationsofeverykind.Hehadfewwithhim,andmanyagainsthim.YetDaniel's lifewassoblamelessandconsistent, thatevenhisenemiescould find no fault in him, except "concerning the law of his God"(Dan.6:5).Andthesearenotsolitarycases.Thereisacloudofwitnesseswhom I couldname.Timewould failme, if Iwere to tell youof youngIsaac,youngJoseph,youngJoshua,youngSamuel,youngDavid,youngSolomon, youngAbijah, youngObadiah, young Josiah, youngTimothy.Thesewerenotangels,butmen,withheartsnaturallylikeyourown.Theytoohadobstaclestocontendwith,luststomortify,trialstoendure,hardplacestofill,likeanyofyourselves.Butyoungastheywere,theyallfounditpossibletoserveGod.Willtheynotallriseinjudgmentandcondemnyou,ifyoupersistinsayingitcannotbedone?

Young men, try to serve God. Resist the devil when he whispers it isimpossible. Try, -- and the Lord God of the promises will give youstrength in the trying.He loves tomeet thosewho struggle to come toHim,andHewillmeetyouandgiveyouthepowerthatyoufeelyouneed.BelikethemanwhomBunyan'sPilgrimsawintheInterpreter'shouse,--goforwardboldly,saying,"Setdownmyname."ThosewordsofourLordare true, though I often hear them repeated by heartless and unfeelingtongues:"Seek,andyeshallfind;knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou"(Matt.7:7).Difficultieswhichseemedlikemountainsshallmeltawaylikesnow in spring. Obstacles which seemed like giants in the mist ofdistance,shalldwindleintonothingwhenyoufairlyfacethem.Thelioninthewaywhichyoufear,shallprovetobechained.Ifmenbelievedthepromisesmore,theywouldneverbeafraidofduties.Butrememberthatlittle word I press upon you, and when Satan says, "You cannot be aChristianwhileyouareyoung:"answerhim,"Gettheebehindme,Satan:byGod'shelpIwilltry."

(5) For another thing, determine as tong as you live tomake theBibleyourguideandadviser.

TheBibleisGod'smercifulprovisionforsinfulman'ssoul,--themapbywhichhemuststeerhiscourse,ifhewouldattaineternallife.Allthatweneedtoknow,inordertomakeuspeaceful,holy,orhappy,isthererichlycontained.Ifayoungmanwouldknowhowtobeginlifewell,lethimhearwhatDavid says: "Wherewithal shall a youngman cleanse hisway? bytakingheedtheretoaccordingtoThyword"(Ps.119:9).

Youngmen,I"chargeyoutomakeahabitofreadingtheBible,andnottoletthehabitbebroken.Letnotthelaughterofcompanions,--letnotthebad customs of the family youmay live in, -- let none of these thingspreventyourdoingit.DeterminethatyouwillnotonlyhaveaBible,butalsomake time to read it too. Suffer noman to persuade you that it isonly a book for Sunday-school children and oldwomen. It is the bookfrom which King David got wisdom and understanding. It is the bookwhich young Timothy knew from his childhood. Never be ashamed ofreadingit.Donot"despisetheWord"(Prov.13:13).

Read it with prayer for the Spirit's grace to make you understand itBishop Beveridge says well, "A man may as soon read the letter ofScripturewithouteyes,asunderstandthespiritofitwithoutgrace."

Read it reverently,as theWordofGod,notofman,-believing implicitlythatwhat it approves is right, andwhat it condemns iswrong.Be verysurethateverydoctrinewhichwillnotstandthetestofScriptureisfalse.Thiswillkeepyoufrombeingtossedtoandfro,andcarriedaboutbythedangerousopinionsoftheselatterdays.BeverysurethateverypracticeinyourlifewhichiscontrarytoScripture,issinfulandmustbegivenup.Thiswillsettlemanyaquestionofconscience,andcuttheknotofmanyadoubt.Rememberhowdifferently twokingsofJudahread theWordofGod:Jehoiakimreadit,andatoncecutthewritingtopieces,andburneditonthefire(Jer.36:23).Andwhy?--Becausehisheartrebelledagainstit,andhewasresolvednot toobey.Josiahread it,andatoncerenthisclothes, and cried mightily to the Lord (2 Chron.34:19). And why? --Becausehisheartwastenderandobedient.HewasreadytodoanythingwhichScriptureshowedhimwashisduty.Ohthatyoumayfollowthelastofthesetwo,andnotthefirst!

And read it regularly. This is the only way to become "mighty in the

Scriptures."AhastyglanceattheBiblenowandthendoeslittlegood.Atthat rate you will never become familiar with its treasures, or feel theswordoftheSpiritfittedtoyourhandinthehourofconflict.Butgetyourmind stored with Scripture, by diligent reading, and you will soondiscover its value and power. Texts will rise up in your hearts in themomentoftemptation.Commandswillsuggestthemselvesinseasonsofdoubt. Promises will come across your thoughts in the time ofdiscouragement. -- And thus you will experience the truth of David'swords,"ThywordhaveIhid inmineheart, thatImightnotsinagainstThee" (Ps.119:11); and of Solomon's words, "When thou goest, it shallleadthee;whenthousleepest,itshallkeepthee;andwhenthouawakest,itshalltalkwiththee"(Prov.6:22).

Idwellonthesethingsmorebecausethisisanageofreading.Ofmakingmanybooksthereseemsnoend,thoughfewofthemarereallyprofitable.There seems a rage for cheap printing and publishing. Newspapers ofevery sort abound, and the tone of some, which have the widestcirculation, tells badly for the taste of the age. Amidst the flood ofdangerousreading,IpleadformyMaster'sbook,--Icalluponyounottoforgetthebookofthesoul.Letnotnewspapers,novels,andromancesberead,while theprophetsandApostlesaredespised.Letnot theexcitingand licentious swallow up your attention, while the edifying and thesanctifyingcanfindnoplaceinyourmind.

Young men, give the Bible the honour due to it every day you live.Whateveryou read, read that first.Andbewareofbadbooks: thereareplentyinthisday.Takeheedwhatyouread.Isuspectthereismoreharmdonetosoulsinthiswaythanmostpeoplehaveanideaispossible.ValueallbooksinproportionastheyareagreeabletoScripture.Thosethatarenearest to it are thebest, and those that are farthest from it, andmostcontrarytoit,theworst.

(6)Foranother thing,nevermakean intimate friendofanyonewho isnotafriendofGod.

Understandme, -- Idonot speakofacquaintances. Idonotmean thatyou ought to have nothing to dowith any but true Christians. To takesuch a line is neither possible nor desirable in this world. Christianity

requiresnomantobeuncourteous.

But Idoadviseyou tobevery careful inyour choiceof friends.Donotopenallyourhearttoamanmerelybecauseheisclever,agreeable,good-natured, high-spirited, and kind. These things are all verywell in theirway,buttheyarenoteverything,Neverbesatisfiedwiththefriendshipofanyonewhowillnotbeusefultoyoursoul.

Believeme, the importanceof thisadvice cannotbeoverrated.There isnotellingtheharmthatisdonebyassociatingwithgodlesscompanionsandfriends.Thedevilhasfewbetterhelpsinruiningaman'ssoul.Granthimthishelp,andhecareslittleforallthearmourwithwhichyoumaybearmed against him. Good education, early habits ofmorality, sermons,books,regularhomes,lettersofparents,all,heknowswell,willavailyoulittle,ifyouwillonlyclingtoungodlyfriends.Youmayresistmanyopentemptations, refuse many plain snares; but once take up a badcompanion, and he is content. That awful chapter which describesAmnon'swickedconductaboutTamar,almostbeginswith thesewords,"ButAmnonhadafriend,averysubtleman"(2Sam.13:3).

Youmust recollect,weareall creaturesof imitation:preceptmay teachus, but it is example that draws us. There is that in us all, thatwe arealwaysdisposed to catch thewaysof thosewithwhomwe live; and themorewelikethem,thestrongerdoesthedispositiongrow.Withoutourbeingawareofit,theyinfluenceourtastesandopinions;--wegraduallygiveupwhattheydislike,andtakeupwhattheylike,inordertobecomemore close friendswith them.And,worst of all,we catch theirways inthings that arewrong, farquicker than in things that are right.Health,unhappily,isnotcontagious,butdiseaseis.Itisfarmoreeasytocatchachill than to impart a glow; and tomake each other's religion dwindleaway,thangrowandprosper.

Youngmen,Iaskyoutolaythesethingstoheart.Beforeyouletanyonebecomeyourconstantcompanion,beforeyougetintothehabitoftellinghim everything, and going to him in all your troubles and all yourpleasures,--beforeyoudothis,justthinkofwhatIhavebeensaying;askyourself,"Willthisbeausefulfriendshiptomeornot?"

"Evilcommunications"doindeed"corruptgoodmanners"(1Cor.15:33).Iwishthattextwerewritteninheartsasoftenasitisincopy-books.Goodfriendsareamongourgreatestblessings;--theymaykeepusbackfrommuch evil, quicken us in our course, speak a word in season, draw usupward, and draw us on. But a bad friend is a positive misfortune, aweight continually dragging us down, and chaining us to earth. Keepcompanywithanirreligiousman,anditismorethanprobableyouwillinthe end become like him. That is the general consequence of all suchfriendships.Thegoodgodowntothebad,andthebaddonotcomeuptothe good. Even a stone will give way before a continual dropping. Theworld'sproverbisonlytoocorrect:"Clothesandcompanytell truetalesabout character." "Showmewhoaman liveswith," says theSpaniards,"andIwillshowyouwhatheis."

I dwell themore upon this point, because it hasmore to dowith yourprospectsinlifethanatfirstsightappears.Ifeveryoumarry,itismorethan probable you will choose a wife among the connections of yourfriends.IfJehoshaphat'ssonJehoramhadnotformedafriendshipwithAhab's family, hewouldmost likely not havemarriedAhab's daughter.Andwhocanestimatetheimportanceofarightchoiceinmarriage?Itisastep which, according to the old saying, "either makes a man or marshim." Your happiness in both lives may depend on it. Your wife musteitherhelpyoursoulorharmit:thereisnomedium.Shewilleitherfantheflameofreligioninyourheart,orthrowcoldwateruponit,andmakeitburn low.Shewill eitherbewingsor fetters, a reinora spur toyourChristianity,accordingtohercharacter.Hethatfindethagoodwifedothindeed"findagoodthing;"butifyouhavetheleastwishtofindone,beverycarefulhowyouchooseyourfriends.

Doyouaskmewhatkindoffriendsyoushallchoose?Choosefriendswhowillbenefityoursoul, -- friendswhomyoucanreallyrespect, -- friendswhomyouwouldliketohavenearyouonyourdeath-bed,--friendswholove theBible, and arenot afraid to speak to you about it, -- -- friendssuchasyouwillnotbeashamedofowningatthecomingofChrist,andthedayofjudgment.FollowtheexamplethatDavidsetsyou:hesays,"Iama companionof all them that fearThee, andof them thatkeepThyprecepts" (Ps.119:63). Remember the words of Solomon: "He that

walkethwithwisemenshallbewise;buta companionof fools shallbedestroyed" (Prov.13:20).Butdependon it,badcompany in the life thatnowis,isthesurewaytoprocureworsecompanyinthelifetocome.

IV.SpecialRulesforYoungMen.

4.Inthelastplace,IwillsetdownsomeparticularrulesofconductwhichIstronglyadviseallyoungmentofollow.

(1)Foronething,resolveatonce,byGod'shelp,tobreakoffeveryknownsin,howeversmall.

Lookwithin,eachoneofyou.Examineyourownhearts.DoyouseethereanyhabitorcustomwhichyouknowtobewronginthesightofGod?Ifyoudo,delaynotamomentinattackingit.Resolveatoncetolayitaside.

Nothing darkens the eyes of the mind so much, and deadens theconsciencesosurely,asanallowedsin.Itmaybealittleone,butitisnotthelessdangerousforallthat.Asmall leakwillsinkagreatship,andasmallsparkwillkindleagreatfire,andalittleallowedsininlikemannerwillruinanimmortalsoul.Takemyadvice,andneversparea littlesin.IsraelwascommandedtoslayeveryCanaanite,bothgreatandsmall.Acton the same principle, and show nomercy to little sins.Well says thebookofCanticles,"Takeusthefoxes,thelittlefoxes,thatspoilthevines"(Cant.2:15).

Besurenowickedmanevermeanttobesowickedathisfirstbeginnings.Buthebeganwithallowinghimselfsomelittletransgression,andthatledon to something greater, and that in time produced something greaterstill, and thus he became the miserable being that he now is. WhenHazaelheardfromElishaofthehorribleactsthathewouldonedaydo,hesaidwithastonishment,"Is thyservantadog, thatheshoulddothisgreatthing?"(2Kings8:13).Butheallowedsintotakerootinhisheart,andintheendhedidthemall.

Young men, resist sin in its beginnings. They may look small and

insignificant,butmindwhatIsay,resistthem,--makenocompromise,let no sin lodge quietly and undisturbed in your heart. "Themother ofmischief,"saysanoldproverb,"isnobiggerthanamidge'swing."Thereisnothingfinerthanthepointofaneedle,butwhenithasmadeahole,itdraws all the thread after it. Remember the Apostle's words, "A littleleavenleaveneththewholelump"(1Cor.5:6).

Manyayoungmancouldtellyouwithsorrowandshame,thathetracesuptheruinofallhisworldlyprospectstothepointIspeakof,--togivingwaytosininitsbeginnings.Hebeganhabitsoffalsehoodanddishonestyin little things, and they grew upon him. Step by step, he has gone onfrombadtoworse,tillhehasdonethingsthatatonetimehewouldhavethoughtimpossible;tillatlasthehaslosthisplace,losthischaracter,losthiscomfort,andwell-nigh losthissoul.Heallowedagap inthewallofhisconscience,because it seemeda littleone, --andonceallowed, thatgapgrew largereveryday, till at length thewholewall seemed tocomedown.

Remember this especially in matters of truth and honesty. Makeconscienceofpinsandsyllables."Hethatisfaithfulinthatwhichisleast,isfaithfulalsoinmuch"(Luke16:10).Whatevertheworldmaypleasetosay,therearenolittlesins.Allgreatbuildingsaremadeupoflittleparts;--thefirststoneisasimportantasanyother.Allhabitsareformedbyasuccessionof littleacts,andthefirst littleact isofmightyconsequence.Theaxeinthefableonlybeggedthetreestolethimhaveonelittlepieceofwoodtomakeahandle,andhewouldnever trouble themanymore.Hegotit,andthenhesooncutthemalldown.Thedevilonlywantstogetthewedgeofalittleallowedsinintoyourheart,andyouwillsoonbeallhisown.ItisawisesayingofoldWilliamBridge,"ThereisnothingsmallbetwixtusandGod,forGodisaninfiniteGod."

Therearetwowaysofcomingdownfromthetopofachurchsteeple;oneistojumpdown,--andtheotheristocomedownbythesteps:butbothwill leadyoutothebottom.Soalsotherearetwowaysofgoingtohell;oneistowalkintoitwithyoureyesopen,--fewpeopledothat;theotheristogodownbythestepsoflittlesins,---andthatway,Ifear,isonlytoocommon.Putupwithafewlittlesins,andyouwillsoonwantafewmore.Even a heathen [29] could say, "Who ever was content with only one

sin?"Andthenyourcoursewillberegularlyworseandworseeveryyear.Well did JeremyTaylor describe the progress of sin in aman: "First itstartles him, then it becomes pleasing, then easy, then delightful, thenfrequent,thenhabitual,thenconfirmed,thenthemanisimpenitent,thenobstinate,thenresolvesnevertorepent,andthenheisdamned."

Youngmen, if youwouldnot come to this, recollect the rule I give youthisday,--resolveatoncetobreakoffeveryknownsin.

(2)Foranother thing, resolve,byGod'shelp, to shuneverythingwhichmayproveanoccasionofsin.

ItisanexcellentsayingofgoodBishopHall,"Hethatwouldbesafefromtheactsofevil,mustwidelyavoid theoccasions.'' [30] It isnotenoughthatwedeterminetocommitnosin,wemustcarefullykeepatadistancefrom all approaches to it, By this test we ought to try our ways ofspendingour time, -- thebooks thatweread, the families thatwevisit,thesocietyintowhichwego.Wemustnotcontentourselveswithsaying,"Thereisnothingpositivelywronghere;"wemustgofurther,andsay,"Isthereanythingherewhichmayprovetometheoccasionofsin?"

This,beitremembered,isonegreatreasonwhyidlenessissomuchtobeavoided.Itisnotthatdoingnothingisofitselfsopositivelywicked;itistheopportunityitaffordstoevilthoughts,andvainimaginations;itisthewidedooritopensforSatantothrowintheseedsofbadthings;itisthiswhichismainlytobefeared.IfDavidhadnotgivenoccasiontothedevil,by idlingonhishouse-topat Jerusalem,hewouldprobablyneverhaveseenBathsheba,normurderedUriah.

This, too, is one great reason why worldly amusements are soobjectionable. Itmay be difficult, in some instances, to show that theyare, in themselves,positivelyunscriptural andwrong.But there is littledifficulty in showing that the tendency of almost all of them is mostinjurioustothesoul.Theysowtheseedsofanearthlyandsensualframeofmind.Theywar against the life of faith.Theypromote anunhealthyandunnaturalcravingafterexcitement.Theyminister to the lustof theflesh,andthelustoftheeye,andtheprideoflife.Theydimtheviewofheavenandeternity, andgive a false colour to the thingsof time.They

indispose the heart for private prayer, and Scripture-reading, and calmcommunion with God. Theman whomingles in them is like one whogives Satan vantage-ground. He has a battle to fight, and he gives hisenemythehelpofsun,andwind,andhill.Itwouldbestrangeindeedifhedidnotfindhimselfcontinuallyovercome.

Youngmen,endeavour,asmuchasinyoulies,tokeepclearofeverythingwhichmayproveinjurioustoyoursoul.Neverholdacandletothedevil.People may say you are over scrupulous, too particular, where is themightyharmofsuchandsuchthings?Butheedthemnot.Itisdangeroustoplaytrickswithedgedtools: it is farmoredangeroustotakelibertieswithyourimmortalsoul.Hethatwouldbesafemustnotcomenearthebrinkofdanger.Hemustlookonhisheartasamagazineofgunpowder,andbecautiousnottohandleonesparkoftemptationmorethanhecanhelp.

Where is theuseofyourpraying,"Leadusnot into temptation,"unlessyouareyourselvescarefulnot to run into it; and"deliverus fromevil,"unless you show a desire to keep out of its way? Take example fromJoseph,--Notmerelydidherefusehismistress'ssolicitationtosin,buthe showedhisprudence in refusing tobe "withher" at all (Gen.39:10).LaytohearttheadviceofSolomon,notmerelyto"gonotinthepathofwickedness,"butto"avoidit,passnotbyit,turnfromit,andpassaway"(Prov.4:15);notmerelynottobedrunken,butnotevento"lookuponthewine when it is red" (Prov.23:31). The man who took the vow of aNazarite in Israel, not only took no wine, but he even abstained fromgrapesinanyshapewhatever."Abhorthatwhichisevil,"saysPaultotheRomans(Rom.12:9);notmerelydonotdoit;--".Fleeyouthfullusts,"hewrites toTimothy; get away from themas far aspossible (2Tim.2:22).Alas,howneedfularesuchcautions!Dinahmustneedsgooutamongthewicked Shechemites, to see their ways, and she lost her character. LotmustneedspitchhistentnearsinfulSodom,andhelosteverythingbuthislife.

Youngmen,bewise in time.Donotbealways tryinghownearyoucanallowtheenemyofsoulstocome,andyetescapehim.Holdhimatarm'slength.Trytokeepclearoftemptationasfaraspossible,andthiswillbeonegreathelptokeepclearofsin.

(3)Foranotherthing,resolvenevertoforgettheeyeofGod.

TheeyeofGod!Thinkofthat.Everywhere,ineveryhouse,ineveryfield,ineveryroom,ineverycompany,aloneorinacrowd,theeyeofGodisalwaysuponyou."TheeyesoftheLordareineveryplace,beholdingtheevilandthegood"(Prov.15:3),andtheyareeyesthatreadheartsaswellasactions.

Endeavour,Ibeseechyouall,torealizethisfact.Recollectthatyouhavetodowithanall-seeingGod,--aGodwhoneverslumberethnorsleepeth,-- a God who understands your thoughts afar off, and with whom thenight shinesas theday.Youmay leaveyour father's roof,andgoaway,like the prodigal, into a far country, and think that there is nobody towatchyourconduct;buttheeyeandearofGodaretherebeforeyou.Youmay deceive your parents or employers, youmay tell them falsehoods,andbeonethingbeforetheirfaces,andanotherbehindtheirbacks,butyoucannotdeceiveGod.Heknowsyouthroughandthrough.Heheardwhatyousaidasyoucamehereto-day.Heknowswhatyouarethinkingof at thisminute. He has set yourmost secret sins in the light of Hiscountenance, and theywill one day come out before theworld to yourshame,exceptyoutakeheed.

Howlittleisthisreallyfelt!Howmanythingsaredonecontinually,whichmenwouldneverdoiftheythoughttheywereseen!Howmanymattersare transacted in thechambersof imagination,whichwouldneverbearthelightofday!Yes;menentertainthoughtsinprivate,andsaywordsinprivate,anddoactsinprivate,whichtheywouldbeashamedandblushto have exposed before theworld. The sound of a footstep coming hasstopped many a deed of wickedness. A knock at the door has causedmanyanevilworktobehastilysuspended,andhurriedlylaidaside.Butoh, what miserable driveling folly is all this! There is an all-seeingWitnesswith uswhereverwe go. Lock the door, draw down the blind,shut the shutters, put out the candle; it matters not, it makes nodifference;Godiseverywhere,youcannotshutHimout,orpreventHISseeing."AllthingsarenakedandopenuntotheeyesofHimwithwhomwehavetodo"(Heb.4:13).WelldidyoungJosephunderstandthiswhenhismistresstemptedhim.Therewasnooneinthehousetoseethem,--

nohumaneyetowitnessagainsthim;--butJosephwasonewholivedasseeingHimthat is invisible: "HowcanIdo thisgreatwickedness,"saidhe,"andsinagainstGod?"(Gen.39:9).

Youngmen, I ask you all to readPs.139. I advise you all to learn it byheart.Makeitthetestofallyourdealingsinthisworld'sbusiness:saytoyourselfoften,"DoIrememberthatGodseesme?"

LiveasinthesightofGod.ThisiswhatAbrahamdid,--hewalkedbeforeHim.This iswhatEnochdid,-hewalkedwithHim.This iswhatheavenitselfwillbe, -- theeternalpresenceofGod.Donothingyouwouldnotlike God to see. Say nothing you would not like God to hear. WritenothingyouwouldnotlikeGodtoread.GotonoplacewhereyouwouldnotlikeGodtofindyou.ReadnobookofwhichyouwouldnotlikeGodtosay,"ShowitMe."NeverspendyourtimeinsuchawaythatyouwouldnotliketohaveGodsay,"Whatartthoudoing?"

(4)Foranotherthing,bediligentintheuseofallpublicmeansofgrace.

Beregular ingoing to thehouseofGod,whenever it isopen forprayerandpreaching,anditisinyourpowertoattend.BeregularinkeepingtheLord's day holy, and determine that God's day out of the seven shallhenceforthalwaysbegiventoitsrightfulowner.

Iwouldnot leave any false impressionon yourminds.Donot go awayand say I told you that keeping your church made up the whole ofreligion. I tell you no such thing. I have no wish to see you grow upformalistsandPharisees. Ifyou think themerecarryingyourbody toacertainhouse, at certain times,ona certainday in theweek,willmakeyou a Christian, and prepare you tomeetGod, I tell you flatly you aremiserably deceived. All services without heart-service are unprofitableandvain.Theyonlyaretrueworshipperswho"worshipGodinspiritandintruth:theFatherseekethsuchtoworshipHim"(John4:23).

Butmeansofgracearenottobedespisedbecausetheyarenotsaviours.Goldisnotfood,--youcannoteatit,butyouwouldnotthereforesayitisuseless,andthrowitaway.Yoursoul'seternalwell-doingmostcertainlydoesnotdependonmeansofgrace,butitisnolesscertainthatwithout

them,asageneralrule,yoursoulwillnotdowell.Godmighttakeallwhoaresavedtoheaveninachariotoffire,asHedidElijah,butHedoesnotdoso.Hemight teach themallbyvisions,anddreams,andmiraculousinterpositions, without requiring them to read or think for themselves,butHedoesnotdoso.Andwhynot?BecauseHeisaGodthatworksbymeans, and it is His law and will that in all man's dealings with himmeans shall be used. None but a fool or enthusiast would think ofbuildingahousewithoutladdersandscaffolding,andjustsonowisemanwilldespisemeans

I dwell themore on this point, because Satanwill try hard to fill yourmindswithargumentsagainstmeans.

Hewilldrawyourattentiontothenumbersofpersonswhousethemandare no better for the using. "See there," he will whisper, "do you notobservethosewhogotochurcharenobetterthanthosewhostayaway?"But do not let this move you. It is never fair to argue against a thingbecauseitisimproperlyused.Itdoesnotfollowthatmeansofgracecandonogoodbecausemanyattendon themandgetnogood from them.Medicine isnottobedespisedbecausemanytake itanddonotrecovertheir health. No man would think of giving up eating and drinkingbecause others choose to eat and drink improperly, and so makethemselvesill.Thevalueofmeansofgrace,likeotherthings,depends,inagreatmeasure,onthemannerandspiritinwhichweusethem.

Idwellon thispoint too,becauseof thestronganxiety I feel thateveryyoung man should regularly hear the preaching of Christ's gospel. Icannot tell you how important I think this is. By God's blessing, theministryofthegospelmightbethemeansofconvertingyoursoul,---ofleadingyoutoasavingknowledgeofChrist,ofmakingyouachildofGodindeedandintruth.Thiswouldbecauseforeternalthankfulnessindeed.Thiswouldbeaneventoverwhichangelswouldrejoice.Butevenifthiswere not the case, there is a restraining power and influence in theministryofthegospel,underwhichIearnestlydesireeveryyoungmantobebrought.Therearethousandswhomitkeepsbackfromevil,thoughithas not yet turned them unto God; -- it has made them far bettermembers of society, though it has not yet made them true Christians.There isa certainkindofmysteriouspower in the faithfulpreachingof

thegospel,which tells insensiblyonmultitudeswho listen to itwithoutreceivingit intotheirhearts.Tohearsincrieddown,andholinesscriedup,tohearChristexalted,andtheworksofthedevildenounced,-tohearthekingdomofheavenanditsblessednessdescribed,andtheworldanditsemptinessexposed;tohearthisweekafterweek,SundayafterSunday,is seldom without good effect to the soul. It makes it far harderafterwards to run into any excess of riot and profligacy. It acts as awholesomecheckuponaman'sheart.This,Ibelieve,isonewayinwhichthatpromiseofGod ismade good, "Myword shall not returnuntoMevoid"(Isa.55:11).ThereismuchtruthinthatstrongsayingofWhitefield,"Thegospelkeepsmanyaone from thegaolandgallows, if itdoesnotkeephimfromhell."

Let me here name another point which is closely connected with thissubject.LetnothingevertemptyoutobecomeaSabbath-breaker.Ipressthisonyourattention.MakeconscienceofgivingallyourSabbathtoGod.A spirit of disregard for this holy day is growing up amongst us withfearful rapidity, and not least among youngmen. Sunday travelling byrailways and steamboats, Sunday visiting, Sunday excursions, arebecomingeveryyearmorecommonthantheywere,andaredoinginfiniteharmtosouls.

Youngmen,bejealousonthispoint.Whetheryouliveintownorcountry,takeupadecidedline;resolvenottoprofaneyourSabbath.Letnottheplausible argument of "needful relaxation for your body," -- let not theexampleof all aroundyou, -- letnot the invitationof companionswithwhomyoumaybethrown;--letnoneofthesethingsmoveyoutodepartfromthissettledrule,thatGod'sdayshallbegiventoGod.

OncegiveovercaringfortheSabbath,andintheendyouwillgiveovercaringforyoursoul.Thestepswhichleadtothisconclusionareeasyandregular. Begin with not honouring God's day, and you will soon nothonourGod'shouse; -- cease tohonourGod'shouse,andyouwill soonceasetohonourGod'sbook;ceasetohonourGod'sbook,andbyandbyyouwillgiveGodnohonouratall.LetamanlaythefoundationofhavingnoSabbath,andIamneversurprisedifhefinisheswiththetop-stoneofnoGod.ItisaremarkablesayingofJudgeHale,"Ofallthepersonswhowereconvictedofcapitalcrimeswhilehewasuponthebench,hefound

onlyafewwhowouldnotconfess,oninquiry,thattheybegantheircareerofwickednessbyaneglectoftheSabbath."

Young men, you may be thrown among companions who forget thehonouroftheLord'sday;butresolve,byGod'shelp,thatyouwillalwaysremember to keep it holy. Honour it by a regular attendance at someplacewherethegospelispreached.Settledownunderafaithfulministry,andoncesettled,letyourplaceinchurchneverbeempty.Believeme,youwill find a special blessing following you: "If you call the Sabbath adelight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, notdoingthineownways,norfindingthineownpleasure,norspeakingthineownwords: thenshalt thoudelight thyself in theLord;andIwill causethee to ride upon the high places of the earth" (Isa.58:13-14). And onethingisverycertain,--yourfeelingsabouttheSabbathwillalwaysbeatestandcriterionofyourfitnessforheaven.Sabbathsareaforetasteandfragment of heaven. The man who finds them a burden and not aprivilege,maybesurethathisheartstandsinneedofamightychange.

(5)Foranotherthing,resolvethatwhereveryouare,youwillpray.

Prayeristhelife-breathofaman'ssoul.Withoutit,wemayhaveanameto live,andbecountedChristians;butwearedead in thesightofGod.The feeling thatwemust cry toGod formercy and peace is amark ofgrace; and the habit of spreading before Him our soul's wants is anevidencethatwehavethespiritofadoption.Andprayeristheappointedway to obtain the relief of our spiritual necessities. -- It opens thetreasury,andsets the fountain flowing. Ifwehavenot, it isbecauseweasknot.

PrayeristhewaytoprocuretheoutpouringoftheSpirituponourhearts.JesushaspromisedtheHolyGhost,theComforter.Heisreadytocomedown with all His precious gifts, renewing, sanctifying, purifying,strengthening, cheering, encouraging, enlightening, teaching, directing,guidingintoalltruth.ButthenHewaitstobeentreated.

And here it is, I say it with sorrow, here it is that men fall short somiserably.Fewindeedaretobefoundwhopray:manywhogodownontheirknees,andsayaformperhaps,butfewwhopray;fewwhocryunto

God,fewwhocallupontheLord,fewwhoseekasiftheywantedtofind,fewwhoknockasiftheyhungeredandthirsted,fewwhowrestle,fewwhostrivewithGodearnestly forananswer, fewwhogiveHimnorest, fewwhocontinueinprayer,fewwhowatchuntoprayer,fewwhoprayalwayswithoutceasing,andfaintnot.Yes:fewpray!It isjustoneofthethingsassumed as amatter of course, but seldom practised; a thing which iseverybody'sbusiness,butinfacthardlyanybodyperforms.

Youngmen,believeme, ifyoursoul is tobesaved,youmustpray.Godhasnodumbchildren. If youare to resist theworld, the flesh, and thedevil,youmustpray:itisinvaintolookforstrengthinthehouroftrial,ifithasnotbeensoughtfor.Youmaybethrownwiththosewhoneverdoit,youmayhavetosleepinthesameroomwithsomeonewhoneverasksanythingofGod,--still,markmywords,youmustpray.

I can quite believe you find great difficulties about it, difficulties aboutopportunities,andseasons,andplaces.Idarenot laydowntoopositiverulesonsuchpointsasthese.I leavethemtoyourownconscience.Youmust be guided by circumstances. Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed on amountain;Isaacprayedinthefields;Hezekiahturnedhisfacetothewallashelayuponhisbed;Danielprayedbytheriver-side;Peter,theApostle,onthehouse-top.Ihaveheardofyoungmenprayinginstablesandhay-lofts.AllthatIcontendforisthis,youmustknowwhatitisto"enterintoyourcloset"(Matt.6:6).TheremustbestatedtimeswhenyoumustspeaktoGodfacetoface,--youmusteverydayhaveyourseasonsforprayer.Youmustpray.

Without this, all advice and counsel is useless. This is that piece ofspiritualarmourwhichPaulnameslastinhiscatalogue,inEph.6.,butitisintruthfirstinvalueandimportance.Thisisthatmeatwhichyoumustdailyeat,ifyouwouldtravelsafelythroughthewildernessofthislife.ItisonlyinthestrengthofthisthatyouwillgetonwardtowardsthemountofGod.Ihavehearditsaidthattheneedle-grindersofSheffieldsometimeswearamagneticmouthpieceattheirwork,whichcatchesallthefinedustthatfliesaroundthem,preventsitenteringtheirlungs,andsosavestheirlives. Prayer is themouthpiece that youmustwear continually, or elseyouwill never work on uninjured by the unhealthy atmosphere of thissinfulworld.Youmustpray.

Youngmen,besurenotimeissowellspentasthatwhichamanspendsuponhisknees.Maketimeforthis,whateveryouremploymentmaybe.ThinkofDavid,kingofIsrael:whatdoeshesay?"Evening,andmorning,and at noon will I pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice"(Ps.55:17).ThinkofDanielHehadall thebusinessofakingdomonhishands;yetheprayedthreetimesaday.SeetherethesecretofhissafetyinwickedBabylon.ThinkofSolomon.Hebeginshisreignwithprayerforhelp and assistance, and hence his wonderful prosperity. Think ofNehemiah.HecouldfindtimetopraytotheGodofheaven,evenwhenstandinginthepresenceofhismaster,Artaxerxes.Thinkoftheexamplethesegodlymenhaveleftyou,andgoanddolikewise.

Oh that the Lordmay give you all the spirit of grace and supplication!"Wilt thou not from this time cry unto God, My Father, Thou art theguideofmyyouth?"(Jer.3:4).GladlywouldIconsentthatallthisaddressshould be forgotten, if only this doctrine of the importance of prayermightbeimpressedonyourhearts.

V.Conclusion.

And now I hasten towards a conclusion. I have said things that manyperhapswillnot like,andnot receive;but Iappeal toyourconsciences,Aretheynottrue?

Youngmen,youhaveall consciences.Corruptand ruinedby the fall asweare,eachofushasaconscience.Inacornerofeachhearttheresitsawitness for God, -- a witness who condemns when we do wrong, andapproveswhenwedoright.To thatwitnessImakemyappeal thisday,ArenotthethingsthatIhavebeensayingtrue?

Go then,youngmen,andresolve thisday to rememberyourCreator inthe days of your youth. Before the day of grace is past,- before yourconscience has become hardened by age, and deadened by repeatedtrampling under foot,- while you have strength, and time, andopportunities,goandjoinyourselftotheLordinaneverlastingcovenantnot to be forgotten. The Spirit will not always strive. The voice of

conscience will become feebler and fainter every year you continue toresist it. The Athenians said to Paul, "We will hear thee again of thismatter," but they had heard him for the last time (Acts 17:32). Makehaste,anddelaynot.Lingerandhesitatenomore.

Thinkoftheunspeakablecomfortyouwillgivetoparents,relations,andfriends, if you takemy counsel. They have expended time,money, andhealthtorearyou,andmakeyouwhatyouare.Surelytheydeservesomeconsideration at your hands.Who can reckon up the joy and gladnesswhichyoungpeoplehaveitintheirpowertooccasion?WhocantelltheanxietyandsorrowthatsonslikeEsau,andHophni,andPhinehas,andAbsalommaycause?TrulyindeeddoesSolomonsay,"Awisesonmakethagladfather,butafoolishsonistheheavinessofhismother"(Prov.10:1).Oh,considerthesethings,andgiveGodyourheart!Letitnotbesaidofyou at last, as it is of many, that your "youth was a blunder, yourmanhoodastruggle,andyouroldagearegret."

Think of the good you may be the instruments of doing to the world.AlmostallthemosteminentsaintsofGodsoughttheLordearly.Moses,Samuel, David, Daniel, all served God from their youth. God seems todelightinputtingspecialhonouruponyoungservants;--rememberthehonourHeplaceduponourownyoungking,EdwardtheSixth.Andwhatmight we not confidently expect, if young men in our own day wouldconsecratethespring-timeoftheirlivestoGod?Agentsarewantednowinalmostever)"greatandgoodcause,andcannotbefound.Machineryofeverykindforspreadingtruthexists,buttherearenothandstoworkit.

Moneyismoreeasilygotfordoinggoodthanmen.Ministersarewantedfornewchurches,missionariesarewantedfornewstations,visitorsarewanted for neglected districts, teachers are wanted for new schools; --manyagoodcauseisstandingstillmerelyforwantofagents.Thesupplyofgodly,faithful,trustworthymen,forpostslikethoseIhavenamed,isfarbelowthedemand.

Youngmenofthepresentday,youarewantedforGod.Thisispeculiarlyanageofactivity.Weareshakingoffsomeofourpastselfishness.Mennolongersleepthesleepofapathyandindifferenceaboutothers,astheirforefathersdid.Theyarebeginningtobeashamedofthinking,likeCain,-

-"AmImybrother'skeeper?"Awidefieldofusefulnessisopenbeforeyou,ifyouareonlywillingtoenteruponit.Theharvestisgreat,andthelabourersare few.Bezealousofgoodworks.Come,cometothehelpoftheLordagainstthemighty.[31]

This is, in some sort, to be like God, not only "good, but doing good"(Ps.119:68).ThisisthewaytofollowthestepsofyourLordandSaviour:"Hewentaboutdoinggood"(Acts10:38).

ThisistoliveasDaviddid;he"servedhisowngeneration"(Acts13:36).

Andwhocandoubtthatthisisthepathwhichmostbecomesanimmortalsoul?WhowouldnotratherleavethisworldlikeJosiah,lamentedbyall,than depart like Jehoram, "without being desired"? (2 Chron.21:20).Whether is it better to be an idle, frivolous, useless cumberer of theground,toliveforyourbody,yourselfishness,yourlusts,andyourpride,-- or to spend and be spent in the glorious cause of usefulness to yourfellow-men;---tobe likeWilberforceorLordShaftesbury,ablessingtoyour country and the world, -- to be like Howard, the friend of theprisoner and the captive, -- to be like Schwartz, the spiritual father ofhundreds of immortal souls in heathen lands, -- to be like thatman ofGod,RobertM'Cheyne,aburningandashininglight,anepistleofChrist,knownand readof allmen, thequickenerof everyChristianheart thatcomesacrossyourpath?Oh,whocandoubt?Whocanforonemomentdoubt?

Young men, consider your responsibilities. Think of the privilege andluxury of doing good. Resolve this day to be useful. At once give yourheartstoChrist.

Think, lastly, of the happiness that will come to your own soul, if youserve God, -- happiness by the way, as you travel through life, -- andhappinessintheend,whenthejourneyisover.Believeme,whatevervainnotions you may have heard, believe me, there is a reward for therighteous even in this world. Godliness has indeed the promise of thislife,aswellasofthatwhichistocome.Thereisasolidpeaceinfeelingthat God is your friend. There is a real satisfaction in knowing thathowevergreatyourunworthiness,youarecompleteinChrist,--thatyou

haveanenduringportion,--thatyouhavechosenthatgoodpartwhichshallnotbetakenfromyou.

Thebacksliderinheartmaywellbefilledwithhisownways,but"agoodmanshallbesatisfiedfromhimself"(Prov.14:14).Thepathoftheworldlymangrowsdarkeranddarkereveryyearthathelives;--thepathoftheChristianisasashininglight,brighterandbrightertotheveryend.Hissunisjustrisingwhenthesunoftheworldlyissettingforever;--hisbestthingsareallbeginningtoblossomandbloomforever,whenthoseoftheworldlyareallslippingoutofhishands,andpassingaway.

Young men, these things are true. Suffer the word of exhortation. Bepersuaded.Takeupthecross.FollowChrist.YieldyourselvesuntoGod.Footnotes:

[21]ArchiastheTheban.

[22]Hannibal.

[23]Rome

[24]SeeBuckland'sBridgewaterTreatise,vol.ii.plate26.

[25] "Pleasure," says Adams on Second Peter, "must first have thewarrant, that it be without sin;--then the measure, that it be withoutexcess."

[26]SecretaryWalsingham.

[27]SeeFaber'sDifficultiesofInfidelityonthissubject.

[28] The Assembly's Larger Catechism begins with this admirablequestionandanswer. "What is thechiefandhighestendofman?""ToglorifyGod,andfullytoenjoyHimforever."

[29]Juvenal

[30]Thereisanoldfable,thatthebutterflyonceaskedtheowlhowsheshould deal with the fire, which had singed her wings; and the owl

counselledher,inreply,nottobeholdsomuchasitssmoke.

[31]TheChurchofEnglandYoungMen'sSocietyforAidingMissionsatHome and Abroad; and the Young Men's Christian Association, inLondon, deserve the support of all true Christians. It is one of the fewcheeringsigns inanevilday, thatsuchinstitutionshavebeenformed.Irejoice to see that kindred societies have been established at otherplaces.--ItrustthatGodwillabundantlyblessthem.

MONERGISMBOOKS

ThoughtsforYoungMenbyJ.C.RyleCopyright©2019

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American CopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofMonergismBooks.

ePub,.mobi&.pdfEditionsAugust2019Requestsforinformationshouldbeaddressedto:MonergismBooks,POBox491,WestLinn,OR9706