The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-06-14
COMMONPLACE CHRIsTIAN1TY.
- 7-'.7'7r 49, - I
(Selected for The Times Dispatch.

NSeleCted 1or Inc IlmeS-Dlspatcl.
Go home to thy friends and tell
them how great things tho Lord hath
doiie for thee."--St. Mark VI 10.
| Christianity has quite as much to do
with the little things as with the great
matters OF life. A true Christian
never forgets his faith; he is as much
a. Christian at home as in church, and
lie does not lay aside his religion like
Sunday suit of clothes. Sometimes
he saddcst sight is that OF a man in
church. sadder sight even than that
OF one In evil company: the man has
of the Gospel. the warnings and bless
ings of God have been uttered over and
over again in his presence, without
producing the slightest effect. Yet
such a one is quito satisfied with him
SELF and would be much surprised to
learn that he Is not a religious man.
II we would Judge of mans true
character We must see him at home.
There he Is himself at other times he
is often acting part If we would
be sure that our religion is true and
genuine, we must test 1t in the little
common duties and trials OF daily ex-
istence. rather than on occasions and
under circumstances of great import
ance. There are those who declare
that II they had lived when the Lord
Jesus was on EARTH they would have
forsaken all and followed Him. Why
do they not do SO now? Why do they
not forsake all that keeps them back
from Jesus-all that is unworthy of
the name and calling OF a Christian?
Claude, the great painter of nature,
was often seen carrying home moss
and leaves and flowers, and studying
them carefully. When he was asked
how he made his pictures so true to
nature. he answered that he took the
greatest. pains. even with the smallest
trifles. SO should it be with our
religion. We should show ourselves
christ's people in the most common
and trifling matter. We can do this
by little acts of kindness.
Never sigh because you can do no
great thing. or give no great thing,
for Jesus. DO what YOU can, give what,
you value most, and it Will not seem
small In tiietA eyes. of the Lord. r. No
gentle word spoken to turn away an
others wrath, no injury freely and
fully forgiven, no kindly word of en-
couragement aud clieer to the lonely
or afflicted. is ever forgotten by God.
Cheerfulness is one outward and visl-
bic sign of {the inward and spiritual
grace of true religion.
If we waatito lead others to God, we
must show: that we ourselves are hap
py. are trustful, are kind and thought
full for others. Christs religion does
not turn people into stone, and freeze
Up every SMILE and check every inno-
cent pleasure. AL that is bright and
happy in this world comes from Cod;
the sunshine, the flowers, the song of
birds So all that is best and happiest
in our lives comes from loving and
trusting and worshiping our God.
Brethren, be religious in the small
things of life, and the great things
will take care of themselves: strive
to he Gods hero Of patience, of. self
denial. of courage. of meekness at
home, and still do all for Jesus sake
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Speaking of Taft, William Allen,
White says that the Republican con-
vention will be "a ratification meet
sjnr" A g q matter of fact, 1t Will be