Self-Righteousness. Where are you going in such a hurry?
Sinner. To Christ, I hope.
S.R. You hope, indeed! It will not be long before you’re down again by sin and temptation. Look at your clothes now, covered with the dirt of sin and the mire of the slough of despondency.
S. True enough; still I mean to go, for I’m not more than a sinner, and it is written of Christ, He “ receivedth sinners.”
S.R. — Ah! yes; but not those who are so far gone as you are. Your filthiness and rags would be an offense to Him.
S. But it is written that “His blood cleanseth from all sin,” so I shall go in spite of you and of unbelief, even though He spurn me.
S.R. Presumptuous man.! Do you not know that it is written the heavens are not clean in His sight, and that nothing can enter His presence which deflieth or maketh a lie? On what ground, then, dare you approach Him?
S. On the ground of His own word. He says, “Whosoever cometh unto Me I will in nowise cast out.” I shall venture upon His word.
S.R. You’re an ignorant, obstinate man! How can you expect to be received when your best friends have forsaken you, and the very worst say you are too vile for their company?
S. Woe is me, that all you say is true! But still He says “He will not cast out,” and it is written of Him “that He gathers in the outcasts”; that “He will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick”; so I’m determined to go.
And go this poor sinner did. Pleading only the free invitation of Christ, and by faith resting on His blood and righteousness for his acceptance with God, he found salvation and peace. Reader, do not listen to the suggestions of self-righteousness and unbelief within, or of Satan and the world without, but go and do thou likewise. B. F. N.
His uplifted Hands.