The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-02-20
THE POWER OF A HOLY LIFE.
ID within the Reach OF Every Living
Houl.


soul.
No Christian is SO poor, so weak, so
lowly, but that he can do much for God,
and for his fellow men. He may not be
able TO give largely, or even TO give at
all. 20 advance the progress OF the Cos
pei, but he can recommend religion in
all its beauty by his life. Thus his light
will shine with power and effective
ness which nothing can dim. There is
power in holy life which nothing can
resist. Men may stand out successfully
against every argument and motive
which can be brought TO bear upon
them; they may be utterly Indifferent
10 the evidences OF God; they may re-
sist every appeal found in the Bible;
they may successfully silence the
clamors of conscience-nothing,i indeed,
may disturb their way to hell but n
godly example. This has been effectu-
al in instances where nothing else was
In the least regarded.
In certain community lived a man,
infdel in his sentiments and profignte
IN his practice. He was subtle in dis
putation, and could greatly embarrass
the most of those who encountered him
and sought TO turn him into a better
channel. But there was one man who
This was plain but devoted and con-
sistent Christian. His life was bright
focus Of vital godliness, and IL had more
power upon this wicked man than any
other sort OF artillery that could be
brought TO bear against him. He was
often heard 10 say that the holy life OF
this man was the only thing that gave
him trouble. He could resist and turn
aside all arguments but this one, but
against this he was powerless. lie could
not withstand the conviction that re-
ligion was reality when he contem-
plated IL as shining forth in such life.
The influence OF this man is within
the power OF every Christian. None so
poor or lowly In station but can exercise
H.. Very many religious professors are
ready TO excuse themselves for doing no
more 10 advance religion, by the plea
that they have not the talent TO address
and persuade men. They cannot find
words and arguments that are persua-
siye, nor will their lack of means allow
them 10 labor for Christ in other ways.
But this Is not necessary. They may not
be able TO talk the Gospel into the unbe-
lever, they may not be able TO give for
the advancement of the Kingdom of
Christ, but they can live in their own
lives the life Of tire Gospel, and thus
with even still greater effect show forth
the power and excellence OF a holy life.
They can so live Christ that il will be
more convincing argument To the truth
and reality of religion than all the ar
guments of the most profound scholars
and eloquent diyines. The power Of n
holy life is something that cannot he
successfully combated or resisted.
III every member OF the church would
live as he ought, IL would not be neces-
sary for him to speak a word ON the sub
ject of religion. He himself would be
living recommen dation I'm all it's beauty
and excellence by his life. In such a
community the ministry even might be
dispensed with, because every Christian
would be minister Of the Gospel In
the very best sense He would preach
the Word daily in his life, and in such
way that there would be no possibility OF
gainsaying or resisting IL. Then the
Word would have free course and be
glorified. The truth Of the Gospel would
be seen and felt and acknowledged on
every side, and the ends OF the earth
would soon see the salvation OF God. And
this power OF a holy life Is In the posses
sion OF every Christian, however hum
ble.-Christian Work.