The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1859-01-05

Is Ega2 A CBEEGzsg'EANl
By 4. S. AhTiICR.

The question reached my ear as | sat con-
versing with fIiend, and paused IN the SEN
tence. was uttering, to note the answer.
'0ll! yes h !, is Christian, was the 4cply.
. am rejoiced to hear you say SO, was net
aware of it before, said the other.
'Ycs; he has passed from death unto life. Last
week, in the Joy Of his new birth, he united
himself to the Church, and is now in fellowship
with the saints
what blessed chango'
Blessed indeed. Another soul saved; another
added to the great company Of those who have
washed their robes, and made them white i'll
the blood of the Lamb. There is joy in llea-
ven on his account
'ofwhom are they speakins?' asked, t'"a-
ing to my friend.
OF Fletcher Gray, l believe, was the reply.
'Few men stood more in need Of Christian
graces,' said l. Ifhe is indeed numbered with
the saints, there is cause for rejoicing
'By their fruits ye shall know Them re-
sponded my frc,d. 4 will believe his claim to
the title of Christian when | see the fruit in
good living. 1.-The has truly passed from death
nnto life, as they say, he will work the works
Of righteousness. A sweet fountain will not
send forth bitter waters.
My friend but EXPIRE ssed my own sentiments
In this and all like cases.
have learned to put small trust in 'proes-
sion,' to look past the Sunday and prayer meet
;ot1 Of nj n asti
quality by the standard of the apostle james
There mnst be genuine love ofthe neighbor, be-
fore there can be love Of God, for neighborly love
is the ground in which that higher and purel
love takes root. 1t is in vain to talk of love as
a mere ideal thing Love is an active principle
and according to its quality, works. If the love
be heavenly, it will show itself IN good deeds tc
the neighbor; but if internal, in acts Of selfish
ness that disregard the neighbor.
Il will observe this, MFR. Gray said I, as
walked homeward from the company, 'and sec
whether tho report touching him be true. l
he is, indeed, Christian, as they affirm, the
Christian graces of meekness and charity will
blossom in his life and make all the air a
round him fragrant.
Opportunity soon came. Fletcher Gray was
a storekeeper, and his life in the world was
consequently, open to the observation ofall men
lie was likewise a husband and father. Hi>
relations were, therefore, ola character to give
daily, test his true quality.
II was only the day after that happened t'
meet Mr.. Gray, under circumstances favorable
to observation He came into the store Of;
merchant with whom was transacting SOM
business, and asked the price OF certain goods il
the market There was marked change in hi
countenance and in the tones of his voice. Tht
former had sober, and almost solemn expires
sion the latter was subdued, even to plantive
ness.
But in little while those pecularities grad
sally disappeared, and the aforetime Mr.. Gray
stood there nchanged-unchanged not only il
appearance, but in character There was moth
ing ofthe yea, yea and may, nay spirit in hi
bargain making, but an eager wordy effort tt
gain an advantage in the trade. noticed that
in the face Of an asseveration that only five pc
cent over cost was asked for certain article
he still endeavored to procure it at lower fig
ure than was named by the seller, and finall!
crowded him down to the exact COST knowing
fas he did, that the merchant had a larger stock
on hand, and could not we'll afford to hold i
over.
x, sHe,s sharperH said the merchant, turning
toward me, as Gray left the store.
sa5 He's Christian, they say was my remark
"a Christian!
'Yes; don't you know that he has become re
Igious and joined the Churchp
you are joking!