The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
SHINING LIGHTS.
Living Ones Religion the Best Way 70
Command 1t to Others.

Living Ones Religion the Best Way 70
Command 1t to Others.
Exemplary picty is recommended by
its important benefits. Like light, it is
good and does good. As the shining
of lights blessing throughout the en-
tire range of its radiance. SO the ipiu-
ence of true piety is extensively and in
estimably beneficial, the destitution
thereof being surprisingly deplorable.
He who so resembles Him WHO is de-
clared to be "Thc Light of the World
as to be properly pronounced "a burn
ing and shining light is the greatest
of human benefactors. His life is the
best recommendation of his religion
that he can give. As he lives his re-
. ligion, he eff'ectually recommends it to
others. Lives are better than lips in
enforcement of the claims of the Cos
pei. A truly pious example has often
proved the most powerful preaching in
favor of the revealed truth prOfessedly
accepted and urged upon tho accept
ance of others. A young man who was
about to be ordained rs minister of
the Gospel stated that, at one period OF
his life, he was nearly an iniidel.
"But," said he, 'thcre WAS one argu-
ment in favor of Christianity which !
could never refute the consistent con-
duct of my Christian father" .iH
1t was designed by the great Teach
er and Exemplar that men, by behold
ing the good works of His followers,
should be led to glorify God. While
God . people are to shave no fellow
ship with the unfruitful works Of dark
ness, but rather reprove them," in no
other way can they so well reprove
them as by letting the light of pious
example shine around them. Life
preaching is the very best of preach
ing. 1t is successful where no other
seems to accomplish anything. Well
has it been said that ''offices of kind
ness to the bodies and souls of those
around us; words of encouragement to
the weak, instruction to the ignorant,
OF brotherly kindness to all; hearty de-
votion to the services of religion in our
families and our closets, as well rs in
the sanctuary; in word, earnest, act
i've, self-denying love to our fellow.be-
ings, springing from our love to God,
this will form a most impressive SER
mon, a most convincing proof to the
world around us that we have been
with Jesus"
This is shining "as lights in the
world, and the world is made better
by such shining. In Christian faithful.
ness there is light, while in unfaithful'
ness there is darkness. This light is
certainly needed in the world where
multitudes are cropping their dubious
and dangerous way. 1t reveals dan
gers which might be fatal but for thu
exposure of them thus made, and i
discovers ways Of pleasantness ant
paths of peace that would not have
been found but for the revelation O
them. Many, very many. are in thu
dark who might thus be helped. Chris
tians may be the best of earthly help
era by letting their light shine, 50 rs t.
guide those who are lost in the dark
ness of sin into the way of salvation
They may be warning lights and guild
ing lights, and their influence may b.
cheering as light in darkness, carry
ing sunshine wherever they 60, ant
diifusing happiness all around them
Watchman.