The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-12-20
MARKS OF THE CHANGE.

If we "belong to Christ" our religion
will make real difference, not only in ou
thoughts and feelings, but in our outward
life and actions. Some years ago young
girl was led by the Holy Spirit to give hel
heart to God. But her friends would not al
first believe that she was really concerted
which means to be turned from sin to God
They knew Jane las we will call herr had
very bad temper; and they thought it i'm.
possible that her passionate disposition
should be subdued. So they determined to
provoke her, in order to see if she would get
angry, as she used to do. This, of course,
was very wicked. They were trying to help
the devil; for you know it is his aim to tempt
people to sin.
One morning when Jane returned from
her work tired and hungry, and quite ready
for good dinner, there was nothing for her
to eat but come very unpalatable food, for
WuiCu euo Hho huOWu w low oPoOioi uio-
like. The family prepared it on purpose to
vex her. They watched her as she came in,
expecting to see her fly into a passion, and
perhaps throw the dish on the floor, or at
any rate, refuse to touch her dinner, as
would have been the case before her conver
sion; but what was their surprise when she
quietly sat down at the table and began
to ask Gods blessing on the meal They
looked at each other with astonishment, ex-
claiming, "Is it true" Yes, it was true.
This simple act proved the reality of the
change in Jane more convincingly than vol
umes of words could have done.
Another girl, who lived, l think, in the
same place, had also found the Saviour. Be-
fore she had come to this turning point,
which we call conversion, she had been noted
for her great love of fnery and display in
dress. Well, one day, soon after she had
begun to live a new life, she went to her
work, wearing her earrings as usual. 1t had
not struck her that there was anything in
consistent in this. While she was at work,
breaking the ore from the mine into small
pieces with hammer, one of her companions
noticed her earrings, and began to tell her
that if she professed to be a Christian, she
ought not to wear such vanities. l do not
know whether she really thought 30, or
whether the words were meant as a sneer.-
In moment the young girl took the orna-
ments from her ears, and, without word,
crushed them to pieces with her hammer =
Then with bright smile she turned to her
companion and cheerfully sang:
"Neither passion nor pride
His cross can abide,
But melt in the fountain
That streams from His side."
This was fulfilling that solemn command Of
Christ: IF thy right hand offend thee" (Or
cause thee to offend" as you will find it
if you look in the margin of reference Bi.
ble,) "cut it off, and cast it from thee"
A little servant girl, who loved Jesus, was
once asked what difference her religion made
to her work. 90 great difference" she
replied; 81 always sweep under the mats
now." You see, before she had slurred her
work, only sweeping the part of the room
that would be seen, but now she was thorough
and honest in doing her daily duty, not
with eye-service, &. but with good will
doing service, as to the Lord, and not to
men"
And SO my dear children, if we truly love
and trust in the Lord Jesus, and sincerely
follow Him, we shall
Our faith by holy tempers proven
BY actions show our sins forgiven"
Early Days.