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1. Earnestness is a distinguishing mark of race-elevation.

2. Earnestness is characteristic of great epochs.

3. Earnestness is a criterion of individual character, men weight according to earnestness; it is more than ability.

4. Of all places for earnestness, religion is the most important and natural. Reasons for earnestness in religion: —

I. IT IS DEMANDED BY THE NATURE OF RELIGION ITSELF. It is an earnest thing, demands our best power

(1)  as a scheme of worship;

(2)  as a series of works;

(3)  as a system of duty;

(4)  as a revelation of future rewards and punishments.

II. EARNESTNESS IN RELIGION IS DEMANDED BY EARNESTNESS IN THE GOD WHOM RELIGION REVEALS. NO epicurean deity, careless of men.

1. God's earnestness visible in nature. It is a whirl of terrible forces.

2. It is visible in things permitted and accomplished in Providence.

3. Earnestness visible in God's self-revelation. God comes nearer to man at every step up to incarnation.

4. The language of scripture as revealing earnestness in God. It contains tender pleading, strong remonstrance. The only thing that can answer God is earnestness in us.

III. EARNESTNESS IS DEMANDED BY THE DIFFICULTIES IN BEING RELIGIOUS,

1. These are real — "Many are called; few chosen." The promises are " to him that over-cometh."

2. They are not difficulties in religion itself. Abundant grace is supplied.

3. They are in us.

(1)  Our unbelief.

(2)  Love of the world.

(3)  Spiritual indolence.

4. These are complicated by our surroundings.

5. And there is no accommodation of conditions. Religion no respecter of persons.

IV. EARNESTNESS IN RELIGION IS DEMANDED BY OUR ACTUAL DANGERS AND NEEDS.

1. Religion is a scheme of pardon as well as a system of truth. Our exposure is imminent.

2. Here is the supreme reason for earnestness in seeking the kingdom of heaven. It is your life.

V. NOW CONTRAST THE EARNESTNESS SO EVIDENTLY DEMANDED BY OUR SITUATION AND THE LIGHTNESS WITS WHICH SOME THREAT THE WHOLE MATTER.

1. Contentment with slight grounds for unbelief.

2. Then see the lightness with which some turn away to business.

3. Lack of earnestness shown in deferred prayers and broken promises.

4. The feeble beginnings speedily abandoned.Application: —

1. Remember the religious earnestness to which Christ exhorts is no fanatical excitement.

2. Remember how soon difficulties melt away before earnestness.

3. Examine the reasons why indifference replaces earnestess.

4. Earnestness is demanded by sour conduct in anything else which you believe will be to your advantage.

5. Appeal for immediate decision. These, the best things for earnestness; will please God; come to them as they come to you.

(S. F. Scovel.)

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KJV: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

WEB: From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.