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A MUCH READ TRACT

There is a tract that all men read—that tract, dear Christian reader, is yourself —you are an epistle “KNOWN AND READ OF ALL MEN.” If you are washed in the blood of Jesus, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, the life of Christ becomes your life; you have to go forth into the world, bearing witness to the truth, by your word and by your life. You have, by God’s grace, so to reflect the image of Jesus, that those who refuse to receive your word, may, by beholding your heavenly life, be led to glorify your Father which is in heaven.

What harm is done with inconsistencies in a Christian’s life, by thoughtless conduct, foolish conversation, levity of manner! We know how the sun goes on shining, and the world goes hurrying on around it. Daily it exerts an influence for good, by its light and warmth, and few take any notice of it. But only let a spot appear upon the sun, at once every eye and finger is towards it, and people are writing to the newspapers to say there is a spot on the sun. It is just so with the Christian; the world is hurrying on about him, and as it passes, though few take any notice of him, he can exert his influence for good. But only let him stumble—let him show any inconsistency of conduct, and then the world will point and scoff at him, and his influence for good is hindered. Think of this, my dear Christian brother or sister.

You can do something for your Saviour’s glory. Do what you can by word, but above all, live as those who are washed in the blood of Jesus, and keep yourselves unspotted from the world. So shall men see that the life which you now live in the flesh you live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you. R. HILL.

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— December, 1883 —