The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-07-31
Personal Holiness the Measure of Personal
Usefulness.

USeIulneSs.
Holiness is positive, and, therefore, ag
gressive and impressive. Living under the
cross, it uprears the cross. Partaking Of
the life and energy of God, it inscribes on
its banners, THIS WORLD BELONGS TO CHRIST,
AND GE SHALL HAVE IT. This principle
supplies the motive power to action-the
food that nourishes zeal, the strength that
grasps the helm. With this central power
of Goe in the soul, the feeble8t mortal be-
comes yhe mightiest martyr; and he who,
with David, could say, "I am a worm and
no mar becomes invested with moral ON
impotence which enables him triumphantly
to exclain: II can do all things through
Christ witch Strengtheneth me-.
He eees 4hiAgsin their true relations, and
estimates tllsn according to their intrinsic
value. p rms ass 60 him a present,
over1nass aud tho value OF q.
soul assumes proportions beyond all utter
ance apa4ssace ton. Feeling as God feels,
and, therefore, acting as God acts, he grows
not weary in welldoing, but abounds more
and more in the work of the Lord. A full
and entire conservation of all he is ar nas,'
becomes essential to las happiness. The
motto on galvins seal, Given all to Christ,
kept nothing for SELF" becomes his ruling
passion. Holy volitions issue in benevolent
actions; tender emotions and warm sympa-
thies assume palpabIe, benefcent forps.-
While he proportions not his zeal to his sue
cess, he fully realizes that his success will
be prOportioned to his holiness. He strives,
therefore, daily, after greater similitude to
God, and thereby daily enhances his useful
ness to man. His words of Christian in
struction and persuasion, of firm and joy
full faith in God, of a sweet assurance of
life in Christ, are like nails driven in sure
places. His life becomes new evangel,
and himself ga living epi8tle, read and
known of all men" He transmutes the
spiritual precepts Of Christ into life and
conduct, and the doctrines of the gospel into
holy acts and histories. An indefnable sort
of spiritual emanation proceeds from him,
that urges without words, and that restrains
or impelS beyond the vigor of logic, the
glow of eloqpence, and the thrilling appeals
and monitions Of the pulpit. This spiritual
emanation, the crown and glory of truly
holy man, speaks language which no So
phistry can elude, no conscience ward off,
no heart brave; which is understood in all
dialects, appreciated in all clime8, and which
is demonstratiye to all phases of human ma
ture
Wsre siara ~ Sslnest striving after use-
fulness in accordance vith this principle
throughout the Christian Church, how rapid
and triumphant would be the progress of
truth. How would her treasures overflow
with means for carrying forward her heav-
emily mission. How would the ranks of her
sons be filled, to plant the stand
ard of the cross on every mountain and in
every valley, and publish salvation through
the isles and the continents of our globe
How would her masses, baptized with the
Holy Ghost and infamed with holy zeal,
go every where, like the scattered disciples
in apostolic days, preaching the Word. How
soon would this blighted earth be changed
into the garden of the Lord.
To this it must come, if this world is ever
to be conquered for Christ. Christian at
Work.