Men hold one another in bondage by mutual consent. It is quite possible that each one of a given company is desirous of doing a certain thing, or expressing his truest sentiment, which is perhaps the common sentiment of all; yet each one is afraid or ashamed of the others, who indeed (such is the littleness of human nature) would instantly turn on the bold one that would dare to step out of their little conventional circle. Ah, the frowns and the sneers and the jeers and the bitter criticisms of our fellows, the thrusts of our foes, and, worst of all, the reproaches of our friends--how they deter and compel us! But without courage the man is naught. "The fear of man bringeth a snare." If you have faith in Jesus, God grant you courage and boldness to speak as you ought to speak. It will not make you popular. Even [88] the apostles felt that pull and cried to God that they might not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God. (Acts 4:29-31; Eph. 6:18-20.) A good sister sent a certain young preacher a bit of verse, which came in very good time and added a little firmness to his backbone when it was greatly needed. I give it that it may help others:

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