EXTRACTS

There is an important word here which I commend to every young believer. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Proverbs 1: 10). The secret of many an unhappy and unfruitful life can be found in the inability to say “No”, if you want an accomplishment that will be of practical service to you as a Christian, cultivate the power to say “No”. There are many sinners around, and there is also a sinner within, ready at all times to entice you from

“the paths of life”. They only consult to cast you down from your excellency, and to move you away from your true happiness. You must not parley with them; you must not compromise; you must say “No”. When a neighbour, or acquaintance, or fellow-worker in the shop or the office asks you to go here and there for worldly pleasure, or offers to lend you a worldly book, that is the time to say “No”. It does no good to get out of such things by making excuses. If you make excuses they will keep on at you, but if you quietly and graciously tell them you cannot do as they desire, and why, it is very probable that they will not trouble you again.

Then, as I have said, there is a sinner within. The desires and tastes of the flesh may often appeal for gratification. The flesh in us is as fond of the things of the world as ever. The first qualification of a disciple of Christ is the ability to say “No” to himself. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16: 24).

C. A. Coates (‘The Paths of Life’, pp.11, 12)

To promote and maintain the rights of One only entitled where they are not owned, or only carelessly acknowledged, is not only the duty but the happiness of a righteous soul.

J. B. Stoney (Vol. 8, p.464)

Edited and Published by J. Strachan, 59 Frederick Street, Dundee, DD3 9DE, Scotland Printed by Crystal Stationery, 22 Western Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9DZ, (T) (01277) 650661