The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-10-10
Llkc Christ.

Some people who are very unlike Christ
now, are dreaming Of being like him when
he shall appear. They have probably never
made careful study of his character, or a
prayerful examination Of their own, and so
are utterly ignorant of the wide dissimilari-
ty existing between them. Chist was meek
and lowly OF heart but they are confident,
assuming and bold. Christ was prayerful
and dependent upon his Father, but they
self-reliant. Christ was sympathetic and
compassionate; they are unmoved by sor.
rows and distresses, and are destitute OF good
works. Christ was active in bis
doing good. They have no def
mite religious aim or Undertaking, and go
about continually doing nothing. Christ
was generous and forgivingi they are mar
row and relentless. Christ was pure in
character and life; they follow not after
purity, perhaps deny its possibility. and live
as il sin we're nm essential ingredient in the
CUP Of human conduct. Christ instituted or
perfected plan Of salvation for all men to
embrace, but they keep aloof from 1t and
seek assimilation to the divine character by
some other means or device, thus rendering
the atonement Of no effect Whatever IS
excellent and beautiful in the character or
Jesus is wanting in them, yet they dream
strange transition. they are to bear the I'M
age Of the heavenly.
No mistake could be more fatal or FAR
reaching in its consequences. Our mission
here on earth is to become Christ-like. We
are to be partekers Of his Spirit. We are
to have the mind that was in him. we
are to adorn his doctrines and precepts by
a well-ordered life and conversation. We
are to be transformed into his image from
Il &o ha nlrnOR6
Of REDEEM ption Is to deliver men from guilt
and sin. and restore them to the divine image
and favor. If this cannot be done the agon-
les of the cross were vain. Whoever denies
the possibility of this, either by
speech or life, crucifles the Son OF
God afresh and puts him to an open shame:
The crucial test Of nineteen centuries OF
Christian history, through all which Jesus
/ as shown his power to save, establishes be-
work on Calvary. The testimonies. verbs!
and exemplary, Of millions on millions OF
sous dying IN this faith substantiats the
truth that Jesus is fulfilling his promise to
every believing soul: Lo, l am with you
aIway, even to the end OF the world
The Holy Spirit is Christ's continued life
on earth. The holy Spirit convinceS OF
sin, points out the remedy, applies the blood,
and witnesses to the victory. The holy
Spirit teacnes, preaCueS, Woos anu nA'iF.
Holy Spirit transforms character irradiate:
the countenance, sanctifies the heart anc
comforts the soul. As many as are led oy
the Spirit Of God, they are the sons OF God
If any man have not the Spirit OF Christ, III
is none Of his The Spirit searches the deel
things Of God and shows thrm to TIT
believer. The Spirit testifes to adnp
tion and makes the regenerated soul sharel
in Christs sufferings and joys, that IN Tn
end that soul and Christ may be glorlfed &c, 20
gether. Vain Is the hope Of reigning witt
Christ unless we first become like hm.
Every man that hath this hope in him puri
feth himself even ms he Is pure" 10 neSlee
this work Of rur.ilcation Is to neglect tho eS eS
sential condition of eternal blessedness Will
the Saviour michigan Chr ADV: