Isaiah 41:7 So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smoothes with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying… I propose to address myself — I. TO THOSE WHO PROFESS THE FAITH OF CHRIST. Is there no work for you to do? Join some of the regiments; belong to the artillery, or the cavalry, or the infantry of the Church. Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion. II. TO THOSE WHO PROFESS NOT TO BE CHRISTIANS. 1. There are some of you who say you are kept back by your worldly engagements. Will you let your store, your office, your shop, stand between you and heaven? 2. There is somebody who says: "I am afraid someone will laugh at me if I become a Christian." Will you allow your soul to be caught in such a thin trap as human scorn? Can these people who laugh at your seriousness insure you for the future? 3. There may be young people who say, "We are too young yet. Wait a little while, after we have enjoyed the world more; and then we will become Christians." I ask any young man if that is fair — to sit down at a banquet all your life long, and have everything you want, and then at the close, when you are utterly exhausted, say, "Lord Jesus, there are dregs in that cup; you may drink them. Lord Jesus, there are crumbs under that table; you may take them up"? 4. I heard some say, "I am too old." If thou canst not do any more than tremble towards the Cross, if thou art too weak to-night to hold the staff, if all thy soul seems to be bowed down with sorrow, just stumble the way, and put thy withered arms around that Cross, and life, and joy, and pardon, and salvation will come to you. 5. I hear someone say, "Give me more time to think of this!" What is time? (T. De Witt Talmage, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. |
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