" His consecration to God in this rite
bound him to keep his whole law; and yet this obligation was imposed on
him when an infant only eight days old; but after arriving at maturity,
he could not shake it off. He was a debtor still, for he was placed in
that position in accordance with the divine command and by those who had
the authority over him. With equal propriety may we now testify unto you
who are baptized, that you are debtors unto Christ. You are bound to
keep the laws of his kingdom, bound to serve him to whose service you
have been set apart. You are not your own; you are not, therefore, to
live unto yourselves. The vows of God are upon _you_. You have been
sealed with his seal. And since you have attained an age at which you
can understand your position, you are bound to perform those vows; to
seek to be sealed with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. There
is no escape from this obligation; and when, therefore, you live utterly
regardless of it, as many do, your conduct is doubly criminal. You may
have flattered yourselves that you enjoyed superior advantages, and that
you were more highly favored than others; and this is true. But you must
take into the account your corresponding responsibilities. There is a
broad distinction between your position, and that of mere worldlings,
and there ought to be a like difference in your practice.
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