Smyrna times., 1878-01-23

shall be partakers of its joy The true
spirit of holiness is illustrated in Andrew,
who when called to be disciple, went and
found Simon his brother and brought him
to Jesus. The life and power of true re-
ligion is not deposited in any heart, merely
Tor its individual benefit, but through it,
to flow out in streams of influence for the
spiritual benefit of others. The symbols of
the Christian are the candle that is to give
forth its light and the spring that issues
forth IN streams to adorn and fertiliZe the
earth. Aspiring makes its presence known,
1T cannot be hidden. Around it and along
the margin.of the stream, its influence is
manifest in the freshness and luXuriance of
its vegetation, and the beauty and fragrance
OF its flowers. Such God designs the inhu-
ence of the Christian, in whom dwelIs the
Holy Ghost, upon the world His life like
the waters of the fountain, is to flow out in
streams of holy influences to bless and
beautify the world. A consistent, Godly
life, in all the relations of society and in
all mans intercourse with his fellows is a
positive power for good. The influence of
such q life Is seen, in restraining vice. in
elevating the tone Of morals, in impressing
the ungOdly of the world more favorably
towards true religion, and not only by his
example, but by his activity in countenancing
and aiding by every means, every enter
prize for the moral and spiritual elevation
OF his fellow men, does the Christian prove
Il source Of blessing to the world around.
Ii all protesting Christians were fountains,
in their different lots and spheres, sending
forth the streams of hoy inhence, exem-
pliylng IN their lives, the power of the
grace OF God, what moral transformation
Vnt ha 4.
society would exhibit, sin would hide its
head and the ungodly would be constrained
to render homage to the religion of Jesus.
Nay more, the tongue of the gainsaver and
scoifer would be silenced, and men would
be led to inquire into the secret power of
such life, and to seek to possess it for
themselves. The Christian who fails TO
exert positive influence for good upon
the world, fails in his religion. What shall
we say OF those who while protesting to be
Christians, yet are actuated by the same
principles, hoat In the same current, whose
life IS not dlstinguishab.c from the world.
II there be difference it would REQUIRE
powerful microscope to detect il. Their
influence Is only evil. Men Judge of re.
llglon by Its fruits in the lives Of those who
profess 1T than by its doctrines. The in.
consistent lives of its professors tends to
confirm the world in its opposition to it,
and to settle them in greater security in
sin. The influence of the inconsistent
Christian is more baleGul than that of the
openly avowed sinner. He gives the lie to
his profession, and excites in the ungodlv
feeling Of contempt for the religionbe pro.
tesses. There is perhaps no influence more
potent to produce scepticism and infidelity
than the glaring inconsistencies Of professed
Christians. Such are fountains, which send
forth waters, along whose path is desola.
ton and death. Yet it is still time that
those who have drank of Christ, the foun
tam OF living waters, are by their example
and efforts sources of blessing to the world.
Christian, this is the end of your hieh
calling, to be means of usefulness to vour
fellow men. This is to be your ideal, which
you are to strive to realize. Address your
selves to the task, in your home, and in
the society IN which you move, let the
power OF Christian life be manifest, and
oy your silent influence of a holy life, if by
nothing more, you will leaven for good
society around you. The power for good
OF an upright, holy life, can only be seen
In its issues in the great day. Here Won
may start a stream Of holy influence. that
VIII increase in volume when YOU are zone.
and flow on in ever increasing volume to
the end of time. 1t is Gods plan, that bv
his redeemed people the kingdom of his
son shall fill the earth. And in proportion
as you are instrumental in helping TO adj
vance it, will be your heavenly reward.
They that are instrumental in turning
others to righteousness shall shine as the
stars IN the armament forever.
In conclusion, sinner, this subject brings
70 you encouragement and hope, it ex-
hiolts Christ to you as a complete Saviour,
TO whom the way is open, and free and
cordial invitation given to you to come to
nm MN and receive eternal life. Hearken to
Ills HIS inviting voice, obey the invitation, 90 to
HIM IN your guilt and unworthiness, and |
cordially embrace Him and you are saved. |