The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1911-07-28


But, having obtained this new life, 1t
is important that 1t should be nour-
ished, that we should grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ"
We see many around us who have
natural life, but they are weak and Ill.
For some reason, the life that Is IN
them is not vigorous and healthy as
1t should be. OF course, i'll health may
arise through no fault Of our own, in
which case we must try to bear 1t pa
tiently and bravely. But very often
health could be preserved and
strengthened II we would attend to
three things-the food we ate, the at
mosphere we breathed, and the exer-
else we took. Care in these matters
means many an illness prevented and
many life heightened.
This is similarly true OF the spirit
ual life, which is intended at all times
to be strong and vigorous. First. there
Is the subject of food. The newborn
soul needs feeding as much as, or
even more than, the body. Very few
people forget to feed their bodies. but
many Christian people starve their
souls. The principal food that God
has provided for us all is to be found
In the Bible. II we neglect the study
Of his word, Our, spiritual life is
bound to suffer. Many can trace their
failure in the Christian life to this
neglect. We need to feed daily upon
some portion Of the Bible, remember
ing that man doth not live by bread
alone, but by every word that pro-
ceedeth out Of the mouth Of God
There are many other books that will
help us, but they must never be al
lowed to take the place Of the Bible
Itself.
Feeding the Soul.
We need, however, to remember tnat
II Is not sufficient to read, but we
must also digest what We read. Undi-
gested food is the cause Of much ILL
ness to the body. The soul, too. needs
careful feeding If it is to become
strong and healthy. 1t is better to
read few verses daily, to understand
them. and to put them into practice,
than to read a chapter or two and re-
call nothing of its teaching.
Next there is fresh air. People in
these days are realizing more and
more that this is most desirable
and essential for the body, and that it
prevents and cures disease.
Prayer Is the fresh air of the soul.
In our daily life. especially as we
get older, we may have to meet with
worldly companions, or work in ungod-
Iy surroundings, not through choice,
but from necessity. Then, surely, it is
essential that We should constantly
breathe in the pure, fresh atmosphere
Of prayer. This will save our spirit
ual life from disease, or death. Our
Lord asked for his disciples, not that
they should be taken out Of the world,
but that they should be kept from the
evil He sends us forth as lights In
the world. and as long as our spiritual
life is strong and pure, We shall pass
by its temptations unframed and VIC
torious.
Spiritual Life Needs Exercise.
Then not only do our bodies require
good food and fresh air, but also exer-
else. IL we neglect to use any OF our
limbs, by and by they lose their pow
er altogether. 1t is said that horses
and ponies, after being down in a
mine for a certain time, become blind;
their eyes, not being required, are rem
dered useless. So, too, our spiritual
life needs constant exercise If 1t is to
grow. God has saved us for service.
There are many varieties Of service,
and every life, however obscure and
humble, may find some sphere OF use
fulness.
The final aim and object Of all
Christian service is to win others for
Jesus Christ God has chosen US for
this great and glorious work; he has
not given the task into the hands of
angels; neither has he entrusted 1t to
the select few-the ministers, the
Sunday school teachers. the speakers;
his purpose is rather ito every man
his work" If we are doing nothing
for God, at home, at school. at bust
ness, In the church, then we may be
quite sure that our spiritual life will
suffer. But If we are really DESTROYS
of knowing what our work is, II we
are willing to do whatsoever the Lord
may show us, then we shall find some
corner in his vineyard waiting for each
one of US.
will close these few words of coun-
sci to young disciples with three
texts, which will. think, focus and
emphasize what have said-"Search
the Scriptures" without ceas-
ing''-"To every man his work.
Frederick Hart, in London Christian.