Keep Sweet
THEODORE L. CUYLER

         There is one admonition ever in place, not exactly in Scripture language, but absolutely in line with its spirit -- keep sweet.  It is well for the Christian to make it the rule of his life, under all circumstances, in all duties, in all vexations, in all trials and grievances and privations and sorrows, and in all and through all, to keep sweet.

    In the providence of God there will come to all His children much that is hard in itself to bear.  Unless the soul be kept under the constant influence of God's grace, the danger is that the heart shall become depressed and discouraged and darkened; life shall be robbed of its charm and buoyancy; usefulness and spiritual power shall be lost.  But this is not the way to live.  This is not the way to honour God and magnify the name of Jesus, and lead our fellows to know that Jesus is mighty to save.  "Haven't you forgiven God yet?" a wise and tender pastor once asked a long-grieving mourner.  Let us live as those whom God comforts.  By His grace and indwelling, keep sweet.

   Everyone engaging in any sort of business will find daily trials.  There will be need of patience.  There will be many difficulties.  Men will come short.  There will be those to disappoint and those who seek to take advantage of you.  Do not let them rob you of your true dignity and repose of spirit.   In patience possess ye your souls.  You will do but little that will I have paid you for the doing if it rob you of your peace and quietness of heart.  And so, in all your daily work and duties, keep sweet.

  Everyone who stands up to resist popular sins will have to suffer for it.   All that live godly and oppose evil will be made to feel the lash.  The danger for him is that he shall develop pugnacity and unloveliness and bitterness.  He will be called " fanatic" and " Pharisee." He cannot help this; but he can, by God's grace, help developing a like spirit.  He must have the spirit of Him "Who, when, He was reviled, reviled not again." The world, the flesh and the devil do not brook opposition, and always try to hurt the one who bruises their head.  But they cannot much hurt the child of God.  They could bruise only the heel of the Saviour.  He triumphed, and everyone who trusts in Him shall triumph over them.  So do not, in your conflicts with the hosts of evil, lose your sweet temper and your calm assurance of victory.  Do your work and keep sweet.

      Everyone who defends the truth when assailed by infidelity and rationalism will have to suffer certain things.  He will be called "behind the times," and "unscholarly" and a foe to progress.   "Such things hurt.  One does not like to be called "little" and "narrow." It is a bitter crucifixion.  Yet, if the nails and the thorns come, let them come.  They were endured, once for all, by the Saviour, for the joy set before Him.  Contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.  Be as zealous and uncompromising as Christ was, who, although He was sweet and loving, contended to the death for the truth.  Be willing to be called anything and be willing to bear anything that comes to you in the service of Christ.   But do not be robbed of your tranquillity and your joy in God.  Let your peace return to you again.  Live for the truth.   Contend for the truth.  But do it as a loving child of God.  Do it as a brave-hearted warrior.  Keep strong and serene and courageous.  Keep glad at heart! Keep sweet!

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