which must be repented of, and fought against, and cast out, that
God's likeness in us may get the upper hand, and we may be what God
expects us to be. We must know our dignity before we can feel our
shame. We must see how high we have a right to stand, that we may
see how low, alas! we have fallen.

Now you--I know many such here, thank God--to whom God has given
clear, powerful heads for business, and honest, kindly hearts, I do
beseech you--consider my words, Who has given you these but God?
They are talents which He has committed to your charge; and will He
not require an account of them? HE only, and His free mercy, has
made you to differ from others; if you are better than the fools and
profligates round you, He, and not yourselves, has made you better.
What have you that you have not received? By the grace of God alone
you are what you are. If good comes easier to you than to others,
HE alone has made it easier to you; and if you have done wrong,--if
you have fallen short of your duty, as ALL fall short, is not your
sin greater than others? for unto whom much is given of them shall
much be required. Consider that, for God's sake, and see if you,
too, have not something to be ashamed of, between yourselves and
God. See if you, too, have not need of Jesus Christ and His
precious blood, and God's free forgiveness, who have had so much
light and power given you, and still have fallen short of what you
might have been, and what, by God's grace, you still may be, and, as
I hope and earnestly pray, still will be.

And you, young men and women--consider;--if God has given you manly
courage and high spirits, and strength and beauty--think--GOD, your
Father, has given them to you, and of them He will surely require an
account; therefore, "Rejoice, young people," says Solomon, "in your