like Moses, to turn our backs even on those who have hrought us up, if God calls us, and the path is plain. Sudi decided conduct may entail sore trials on our aflfections. It may wring our hearts to go contrary to the opinions of those we love. — But such conduct may sometimes be positively necessary to our salvation, and without it, when it becomes necessary, we are unfit for the kingdom of Gk)d. The good soldier will not allow his heart to be entangled too much with his home. If he daily gives way to unmanly repinings about those he has left behind him, he will never be fit for a campaign. His present duties — the watching, the marching, the fighting, — ^must have the principal place in his thoughts. So must it be with all who would serve Christ. They must beware of soft- ness spoiling their characters as Christians. They must endure hardness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. (2 Tim. ii. 3.)
Let us leave the whole passage with many searchings of heart. The times are undoubtedly much changed since our Lord spoke these words. Not many are called to make such real sacrifices for Christ's sake as when Christ was upon earth. But the heart of man never changes. The difficulties of salvation are still very great. The atmosphere of the world is still very unfavourable to spiritual religion. There is still need for thorough, im- flinching, whole-hearted decision, if we would reach heaven. Let us aim at nothing less than this decision. Let us be willing to do anything, and suffer anything, and give up everytHng for Christ's sake. It may cost US something for a few years, but great will be the reward in eternity.