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6 THE PRESBYTERIAb
VOWS.
At the opening of the year our thoughts turn to new
hopes and new purposes. It is a time of good resolutions
and solemn vows. Is it right and wise to pledge
ourselves to better conduct and a truer life by registering
our resolves in a formal way and calling ourselves
and perhaps others to witness to the pledge? Such a
vow is of the nature of an oath and appeals to him who
"searcheth the heart." It may not he assumed lightly,
but it should be assumed as a privilege and to our
vantage.
We read little of formal vows in the New Testament.
We have, as an example, that rather strange instance of
Paul's "having shorn his head in Cenchrea, for he had
a vow"; and of his "purifying himself" with four men at
Jerusalem who had assumed vows. But every righteous
resolve seriously and reverently formed is of the essential
nature of a vow, and these abound throughout the
Scriptures. In the Old Testament formal vows are frequently
recorded and sanctioned. David said repeatedly,
"I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in th#?
presence of all his people."
It is ennobling to definitely form good resolutions; it
is strengthening to commit ourselves to them. To sincerely
pledge ourselves to the right, fortifies one in his
allegiance to righteousness. It more clearly defines his
personal obligation; it commits him more firmly to recognized
duty ; it enlists his endeavors definitely in behalf
of a particular cause. Many a boy * has turned the
scale in favor of manliness, self-respect and a clear
conscience, by resolving to he honest and true in the
face of temptation. Many a Christian has been sus
tained as a witness-bearer for Christ by intelligently and
prayerfully resolving to maintain Christian principle,
however severely tested. Having once taken his stand
resolutely, his integrity is preserved; having planted his
feet firmly on the rock of principle, he remains unmoved
; having espoused a worthy cause, he becomes
its righteous patron, its recognized advocate and avowed
defender.
It is not only a noble, but an ennobling, thing for the
business man, at a time when questionable business
methods prevail, to resolutely determine that his business
shall be conducted on the basis of the Golden Rule.
it is not only praiseworthy, but it is refining and elevating,
for a member of society to determine that in the
midst of that- which is conventional and insincere in
social life, he will cultivate a generous, frank and deferential
spirit. It gives fiber to moral manhood, infuses
iron into the blood, to resolutely determine to maintain
an attitude of uncompromising hostility to any form of
moral degeneracy. And when we lift the principle to
the yet higher plane of spiritual relations, it becomes
distinctly a means of grace to commit ourselves by act
or by profession to the holv cause nf servire on<i fiitv.
to which we are called.
The value of forming good resolutions, however, is
dependent on conditions. An intelligent appreciation
of the obligation which is assumed is essential, there
can be little merit in resolving to perform duty if there
is an inadequate estimate of the dignity of the duty
I OF THE SOUTH. January 13, igog.
to he performed. To pledge oneself to be energetic and
prompt in business, while one lias no just estimate
of the value of business methods, is to invite failure ; and
to pledge oneself to integrity, while believing that duplicity
will serve his purposes better, is a mockery. A
just apprehension of moral relations is essential to moral
attainment and a prerequisite of righteous reform. The
rqind must address itself to the things that are true,
honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report.
Another condition which is essential to the assumption
of high moral obligation is that the heart shall be
enlisted in the performance of the duties that are as
sumed. To pledge oneself to repellant tasks may be
a source of weakness, rather than of strength. If holiness
is offensive to the moral vision, the eyes will turn
away to other objects, however boldly the lips may have
uttered their vows. The wine bibber, in Proverbs, with
the evils of hig debauchery overwhelming him, says:
"I will seek it yet again." If moral rectitude is to be
a rule of conduct, it must be the ideal of the inmost soul.
The spirit must respond to the appeal of spiritual beauty.
If the character is to be symmetrical and strong, it must
not only apprehend righteous laws, but must covet earnestly
the best gifts.
TM- - - ?'
i ne two conditions existing, a clear understanding of
moral rectitude and an appetency toward that which is
excellent, we may well regard it as a privilege to pledge
ourselves solemnly to earnest endeavor toward the attainment
of life's high ideals. It is noble to sincerely
avow purposes of fidelity to the sacred duties of life; to
devoutly avow allegiance to Him whose covenants have
been so graciously kept with us, and to determine that
by his continued favor we will be more faithful to him
in the days to come than we have been in the past. It is
o -
i-i.yin.gv iu [jiuicss our aumiranon ior nis person, our
belief of his word, our confidence in his redeeming work,
our dependence on his grace, and to solemnly pledge
ourselves, as his servants, to new obedience.
THE PERSONAL ELEMENT.
Besides the elimination of the doctrine of sin from
much of the preaching of the day there is another elimination
which follows very closely upon it. It is that
of the personal element in preaching. Little thouerht
being given to the sin, as little is given to the sinner.
The pressing home of truth, even though it be uncomfortable
truth, is not fashionable. This is a serious
loss. The sermon is a means to and end. Its object is
to bring the Word of God and the human soul into con tact.
Presenting the truth only in the form of generalization,
and with no attempt to make it direct and personal,
the preacher does not make it a part of his hearer's
life. The fear that it will be offensive does not
seem to be the cause of this so much as the fashion of
the dav. Men are not offended hv the Krin<rin?*
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to them of wholesome truth if it be brought with tenderness
and love and accompanied with a gracious offer
of pardon and righteousness through Christ. God takes
care of that side of the problem. And even if it offend,
it is still the duty of the preacher to declare the whole
counsel of God, whether men will hear or forbear.