University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1910-08-07
OPINIONS OF OTHERS
What il is to be a Christian.

What il is TO be a Christian.
Richmond T.mes-Dispatch: The
first rule OF life Tor a Christian is
TO b" honest. Honest in thought,
word and deed; maintained for its own
SAX" as in the sight OF Cod. Ii *
a iid TACT that dishonesty begins
in small ways. and in almost unno-
ticed things. The only safety lies in
being unfailing. watchful and scrupu-
lous, to be Immediately honest in
the very least things and in all de-
tails.
The next step in the Christian life
is to be clean minded. The COOL
Christian man is "a particular about
his mind and heart as he is about his
face and hands Paul speaks oi the
offenSe OF the lips: Il kind OF foolish
talking and jeStng." which is not
convenient" i. e. not becoming or
consistent with the character OF a
Christian.
Our Lord speaks OF the eye: If
thine eye offend thec''-if the eye be
an open gate Of attack. if temptation
comes that way-'pluck it out" Deal
very strictly with ourselves. Be len
lent and charitable to others. but So
we're with thyself. The Puritans did
that. They shut their eyes TO works
OF art which they found perilous TO
their souls. We say that they went
too far; no doubt they did sometimes
But. if they erred, it was upon the
safe side. They We're dreadfully
afraid OF doing wrong. Let US at
least follow them in this. Is the pic
lure, or book. or play. good for the
soul? Ar. We better for it, or worse?
Does it help toward the measure OF
the stature OF the fulness of Christi"
Would He like it? Would He approve
it? We must not judge others, but
we must answer for ourselves. If the.
thing is against Your best nature. stop
it. No matter. though grace and
beauty. art and letters and polite So
ciety be for it, turn you away for
the safety of your soul!
Oh. heed the voice of conscience.
Conscience is Gods voice in our
hearts. You know when you should
do this or that; YOU are impelled by
your feelings-then God speaks di-
rectly to you. You know you ought
not to do this or that. Then turn away
your face. for God is telling you it is
wrong. The earnest Christian is very
sensitive to this inner voice. and very
obedient 10 it. The strong man is
ruled by his ideals. and by his con
victions; by his high purpose. that
with all his might, under all conditions
and everywhere. he will obey God
The true Christian will further de-
termine to increase the happiness of
life. He will not content himself
merely with the development of his
own character; he must not only be
good, he must endeavor to do good. He
will in all things and at all times
minister to others. This is plainly
what Jesus Christ taught and did.
for He came not to be ministered un-
to, but to minister" He gave even
His life for the general good. None
can approach the measure of His sta,
ure who is not in some way trying
to do good to others.
And this means the exercise of con.
stant politeness and courtesy with \
sincere consideration for the feelings
OF others. We must not add to the
already heavy burden OF unhappiness.
mostly of human making. II for.
bids saying any word. or doing anv
act. which will make life harder for
anywhere 1t forbids frowus
and pride and ridicule. and every look
which hurts. 1t controls the temper
and tongue
But that is not ALL 1t means also
a constant watchfulness for onportu-
mites of service. 1t impels one 10 |
affection; regard for weak |