John 6:12-13 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.… (Sermon to the Young): — There are ninny fragments of truth, any one of which, perhaps, is not large enough for a whole discourse, but which ought not to be wholly lost. There are a hundred small things any one of which does not seem to be of much importance compared with the great Gospel themes, but which, taken together, amount to a great deal, e.g. — I. EVERY ONE SHOULD BE WILLING TO CREEP BEFORE HE WALKS. There is hardly a young man that goes out from his father's house that who does not want money before he earns it. Who does not want a reputation for being smart before he is smart? But yea need not be ashamed because you do not know more than those of your age are expected to know; above all you need not be ashamed of frugality. Do not let your pride be hurt by living within your means. Make two things a matter of pride. 1, That you will not live one farthing in debt. 2. That you will be the richer if only by one shilling at the end of the year than you were at the beginning. II. EVERY ONE SHOULD EDUCATE HIMSELF. The school, books, teachers, give a man a chance, but after all he is his own schoolmaster. 1. A handworker ought not to be content with handwork, but should teach his band to think as well. 2. Every man ought to have some general knowledge(1) of his own body and mind; (2) of the structure of the earth; (3) of the history, geography, and policy of his own country and of others; (4) of the sciences. 3. But all education does not come from reading. (1) God gave men eyes that they might see; and yet very few people see anything. (2) What was your tongue put into your head for but to inquire with? Learn the art of asking questions. III. BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. Pick your company from those who are superior to you and can teach you something. Life will go ill with you if you look down for your company. IV. AIM AT REFINEMENT. This belongs to no place or class. You ought to be refined, not because of your trade, but because of yourself. A mechanic may be a gentleman if he likes. V. CULTIVATE CHIVALRY. Always take the side of the weak. VI. DO NOT DESPISE ETIQUETTE. Life is made a great deal pleasanter and intercourse a great deal smoother when men observe the little forms of propriety in life. VII. RESPECT womanhood. No matter how a woman looks, she is of the same sex as your mother and sister or wife and daughter. VIII. CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF UNIFORM GENEROSITY IN SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. Be on the look out to make others happy. (J. M. Nisbet.) Parallel Verses KJV: When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. |
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