ported every season. The philosophers cultivated a
discreet indifference to all religious questions. The prophets taught
that the only salvation for the nation lay in the putting away of
idolatry and the revival of faith in the living and true God.

Judah was like a man standing at the cross-roads, on a stormy night,
with all the guide-posts blown down. Meantime the Babylonian foe was
closing in around Jerusalem, and it was necessary to do something, or
die.

The liberty of choice was an embarrassment. The minds of men alternated
between that rash haste which is ready to follow any leader who makes
noise enough, and that skeptical spirit which doubts whether any line of
action can be right because so many lines are open. Into this atmosphere
of fever and fog came the word of the prophet. Let us consider what it
means.

Stand ye in the ways and see: that means deliberation. When you are at a
junction it is no time to shut your eyes and run at full speed. Where
there are so many ways some of them are likely to be wrong. A
turning-point is the place for prudence and forethought.

Ask for the old paths, what is the good way: that means guidance. No man
is forced to face the problems of life alone. Other men have tried the
different ways. Peace, prosperity, victory have been won by the nation
in former times. Inquire of the past how these blessings were secured.
Look for the path which has already led to safety and happiness. Let
history teach you which among all these crossing ways is the best to
follow.

And walk therein: that means action. When you have deliberated, when you
have seen the guiding light upon the way of security and peace, then go
ahead. Prudence is worthless unless you put it into practice. When in
doubt do nothing; but as long as you do nothing you will be in doubt.
Never man or nation was saved by inaction. The only way out of danger is
the way into work. Gird up your loins, trembling Judah, and push along
your chosen path, steadily, bravely, strenuously, until you come to your
promised rest.

Now I am sure this was good counsel that the prophet gave to his people
in the days of perplexity. It would have been well for them if they had
followed it I am sure it is also good counsel for us, a word of God to
steady us and stimulate us amid life's confusions. Let me make it a
personal message to you.

Stand in the ways: Ask for the good way: Walk therein:--Deliberation,
Guidance, Action,--Will you ta