James Smith

Holy, consistent young women, are among the greatest ornaments of our race, and the greatest blessings to society. Their influence is great, and when rightly used, proves of immense importance. It is no wonder then, if we are anxious to see them . . .
converted to God,
walking with God, and
adorning the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To young women, we think the language used in the Psalm may be applied, "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear; forget also your own people, and your father's house. So shall the king greatly desire your beauty — for he is your Lord; and worship him." Psalm 45:10-11

Mark, THE EXHORTATION. A father calls for attention — for the attention of his child. He loves that child, he seeks her welfare, he has something of importance to say unto her. He calls not only for attention — but for consideration, "Hearken and consider." Who speaks? "God as a Father," as a father full of pity, full of love, and deeply concerned for your everlasting welfare. What does he call you? "Daughter." Intimating endearment and tender sympathy.

To whom does he call attention? "To the king." That is Jesus, his beloved and only begotten Son. Whom to know is everlasting life. Whom to love, is true happiness. To be united to whom, is the highest honor.

Why does he speak? Because he seeks your happiness, and desires your everlasting welfare. Consider then the consequence of attending to his word, you are made forever. The result of refusing to listen to him is, that you cannot escape the due desert of your sins.

"Incline your ear," pay close attention, listen until your heart is won.

"Forget" all old connections, forsake your former pursuits, resign your carnal pleasures, give up your old follies, and give Jesus all your heart.

THE ASSURANCE AND DIRECTION. "So shall the king greatly desire your beauty." This will make you beautiful in his eye, and draw out his love to you. He says, "I love those who love me, and they that seek me early shall find me." He will . . .
accept you at his throne,
listen to your requests,
betroth you for his own,
unite you to his person,
and confer all he has upon you.

"He will greatly desire your beauty." Nothing will satisfy him — but the possession of you, the closest union to you — and you will find his love to be strong as death.

"He is your Lord," intended to be your husband, by the arrangements of the Father; and as your husband, he will support you, rule you, love you, bless you, and make you truly happy.

"Worship him." Treat him with the deepest reverence, cheerfully do his pleasure, in all things serve him and honor his name. Reverence his person, word, and will. Adore his divinity, and glorious perfections. In this way — you will become happy, wealthy, holy, safe, and ultimately glorious.

God speaks on behalf of his Son. He speaks to . . .
win our hearts,
engage our affections,
and bring us into his family.

God speaks lovingly to you. He sees you connected, mixed up with, and at home in the world; and he says, "Come out from among them, and be separate — and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Listen then to his words. This is the least you can do. If you have any respect for his authority, if you have any regard for your own welfare — then listen to what our heavenly Father says; nor only listen — but carry out his exhortation, and in so doing you are made forever.

Believe, and engage the heart of Jesus, obey and honor the commands of Jesus; keep your eye on the king, and honor him in all things, always, and everywhere. So will He greatly desire your beauty, and will commend you before his Father, and the holy angels. Yes, He will say to you, as to his church of old, "You are all beautiful, my beloved — there is no spot in you."