Bear Vent

Pride is a deadly sin, and God must humble every one that He would save. If we are to be saved, we must be humbled. People do not think much of what they are doing when they nurture pride in children. Many of the common methods of education tend to feed this dangerous passion. The desire to be first is encouraged by multiple means, when these ought to be used to restrain the love of eminence in the young heart. Nothing can so effectually overcome it as the Gospel of Christ. There we learn that we are polluted beings, and that nothing but the blood of the crucified Savior can wash out our stains. Do you believe this humbling doctrine? Then remember the words of the apostle Paul, “I urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness.” ( Ephesians 4:1-2 )

Those who labor for your souls, whether they be ministers or friends — don't let them look in vain for fruit in your life. Be warned, God can say to a person, as He once did to a tree, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” Could anyone bear the prospect of never being a blessing throughout all the ages of eternity? Many who are now useless and hurting, hope that they shall one day be different. But opportunities are quickly passing away. The trees, that are now bearing the lovely fruits of praise and holiness in heaven above, began to produce such fruits for God when on earth. Even that criminal whose Christian course lasted only an hour or two, produced good fruit in his trustful request to Jesus, and in his faithful reproof of his fellow sufferer; while the aged apostle Paul was like a tree whose boughs are bent to the ground under the weight of a fragrant and delicious load. Have you begun to bear heavenly fruit? If not, when will you begin? Delay no more; you do not know...