Chapter 23.
FOR YOUNG WOMEN.
The last warning heading this paper is against worldliness, and is expressly addressed to women as well as men. In this case the words of Scripture are so terribly pointed and strong that they need no comment. Are you, beloved reader, prepared to class yourself as an enemy of the God who has so loved you? If not, make a clean cut with the world; in its songs and dances, in its parties and pleasures, in its fashions and follies, in its pride and vanity. Be true to Christ, and esteem the cost of being so "greater riches than the treasures in Egypt." Let the love of Christ be the constraining power to detach you from all that grieves Him.
And now a word or two on what the Word of God enjoins. We find modest apparel, shamefacedness, sobriety, good works, a meek and quiet spirit, all spoken of, and telling us with one voice that the peculiar charm of a woman's position is in a humble and quiet walk. Her place at the feet of Jesus, is not so public as man's, but it is as precious to the heart of Christ. And surely that woman is beautiful to the eyes of the Lord (and shall we add, in the sight of the angels. See 1 Cor. 11:1010For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. (1 Corinthians 11:10)), and in those of every believer, who is adorned with these virtues. If you then, beloved reader, would find favor with God and every godly man, let no grace be lacking, remembering that
"Fairest and best adorned is she
Whose clothing is humility.”
A real difficulty with many Christian young women is how to spend their time. Beyond doubt their sphere pre-eminently is home, and there in a diligent discharge of the daily duties to testify against the unsatisfied restlessness, and the craving for excitement that blight the lives of so many. If early rising is practiced, there is time for the diligent study (not mere hasty reading) of the Bible; and if the home duties do not claim all the time, the sick and poor are always within reach of those who have hearts to search them out. Devotion to Christ thus shown is peculiarly a woman's sphere, and is, as it were, the pouring of the precious ointment over the members of His body.
All this, however, requires self-denial, as we have said. There must be early rising to gather the manna before the sun is up; and none but those who have tried it can tell the quiet and rest of a day, the first hour of which is spent alone with God.
Let each young reader of these pages then steadfastly resolve to let God have the first hour of her day before the bustle of the house begins, and she will be well repaid what it will cost her.
It is surely unnecessary to warn any reader of these pages against scenes of worldly excitement and pleasure. Balls, parties, and concerts are not to be named in connection with true followers of a rejected Christ. But there are other forms of excitement that often injure the simplicity of a young Christian's life. There is such a thing as religious excitement, an unhealthy craving after meetings, rushing about from one to another, and often up to very late hours, to the neglect of home duties, and fostering a great distaste for quiet occupations. Meetings are very helpful for the soul that is feeding on Christ, but will never do to take His place, or the place of any home duties we may have given us to do. For young believers no text is more profitable than 1 Tim. 5:44But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. (1 Timothy 5:4).
In conclusion, do not forget the mighty power you wield of unconscious influence, and although you may never hear of the results until you reach heaven, do not cease to speak of Christ by your dress, your conversation, your ways, your walk, and your good works.
Dear young believers, I would beseech you, do not let your days slip by in the idle listless way in which so many do; seek to be earnest, consistent, devoted followers of Christ, daily studying the Word of God, and working hard for the Lord. Above all, if you would render such a service as Mary in Matt. 26, do not forget the secret of her strength in Luke 10. May the Lord make each of you a true Mary of Bethany.
(Continued)