The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1881-02-03
Not as the World Qiveth.

Not as the World Giveth.
The essential principle of Christianity
IL unselfishness. "No man hveth unto
himself" who closely follows in the foot
steps of the Savior of men. So, progress
in the Christian life implies more and
more complete cruciixion of self-a
putting away of the preferences that in
terfere with the good or the rights of
others. Growth in grace must be pre-
ceded by increased intelligence. Many
of the practices and indulgences common
alike to worldly people and professors of
religion, that once seemed innocent
enough, are shown to the thoughtful be
lever. perhaps as in q flash. to be un-
christian in their influence, and must be
dropped If we would preserve our Chris
tisn integrity.
The Word declares that we are not to
please ourselves that we are to love
those that hate US. bless them that curse
us. and pray for and do good to them
who revile and persecute and despite
fully use US. We are to give, hoping for
nothing again, and when smitten upon
one cheek turn to them also the other.
When We learn the Gospels IS children,
we no more look for any experience of
this kind than we expect to see the mira
cles of Christ repeated in common life.
We find ourselves men and women in
world whose instructive prcjudices, self
ish rivalries, and individual struggles
for place and power make its own max
inns, and these are directly opposite to
the Gallilean Teachers who. divinely in
terpreting mems hearts, saw what was
needed to perfect the highest type Of
character, and make of them instruments
in helping to redeem the race.
The code of the world is one of selfish.
ness. It seeks its own interests; extends
courtesies where they will bring largest
returns; does good where 1t will be and
just 80 long as IL is appreciated; Is severe
in its judgments; shuts from its sympa-
thies the vicious and the improvidents
exercises justice rather than mercy; re-
sents injury; is impatient with insolence
and intolerant Of ingrstitude, and expects
in due time, to reap bouuteoua harvests
wherever, in good faith, IL has sown.
But real life is full OF defeat and dis
appointment. The good We look for
seldom comes in just the way We expect.
1t is Q most uncommon thing to see di-
rect or immediate results in the reforma-
tion Of those for whom we have toiled
most diligently. Very much of human
effort, conscientiously and hopefully
performed in trying to help to better
lives and to teach better habits to others
seems utterly fruitless and without re-
sult. But the good may sometime ap-
pear, IL not in season to encourage our
waiting eyes and anxious hearts.
We are hidden TO 'be not weary in
weil-doing," and If We are faithful and
true to our Lord and to our own highest
good We must not falter even when our
kindest motives are misconstrued and
our self-sacrifcing love and labor are
unappreciated; or lose heart il our most
innocent acts are imputed to sinister or
harsh design; or give up in despair when
our disinterested helpfulness is attribut-
ed to selfish expectation, for often those
we toll for or help do not comprehend
that there is such thing in the world as
being willing to labor and to give,
"hoping for nothing again."
Much benevolent effort would cease,
and many of the ministrations Of human
kindness be discontinued, If gratitude
and appreciation and speedy reform
were stipulated for in return. 1t is the
superiority to natural inclination, the
triumph of Christian principle over
pride, the putting away Of self for the
sake of the Master and his work that
finally lifts the believer into regions of
peace and tranquility and the exalted
usefulness to which all Christians as
pire.
"Go, labor on; spend and be spent;
Thy Joy to do the Fathers will;
It is the way the Master went,
Should not the servant tread it stills
Go. labor on; 'tis not for nought;
Thy earthly loss is heavenly gain;
Men heed thee, fove thee, praise thee not,
The Master praises;-whatar are men!"