10
The Sanctified Life
not call the attention of every one he meets to his soundness of body.
Health and vigor are the natural conditions of his life, and therefore he
is scarcely conscious that he is in the enjoyment of so rich a boon.
Thus it is with the truly righteous man. He is unconscious of his
goodness and piety. Religious principle has become the spring of his
life and conduct, and it is just as natural for him to bear the fruits of
the Spirit as for the fig tree to bear figs or for the rosebush to yield
roses. His nature is so thoroughly imbued with love for God and his
fellow men that he works the works of Christ with a willing heart.
All who come within the sphere of his influence perceive the beauty
and fragrance of his Christian life, while he himself is unconscious of
it, for it is in harmony with his habits and inclinations. He prays for
divine light, and loves to walk in that light. It is his meat and drink to
do the will of his heavenly Father. His life is hid with Christ in God;
yet he does not boast of this, nor seem conscious of it. God smiles
upon the humble and lowly ones who follow closely in the footsteps
of the Master. Angels are attracted to them, and love to linger about
their path. They may be passed by as unworthy of notice by those who
claim exalted attainments and who delight in making prominent their
good works, but heavenly angels bend lovingly over them and are as a
wall of fire round about them.
[14]
Why Christ Was Rejected
Our Saviour was the light of the world, but the world knew Him
not. He was constantly employed in works of mercy, shedding light
upon the pathway of all; yet He did not call upon those with whom
He mingled to behold His unexampled virtue, His self-denial, self-
sacrifice, and benevolence. The Jews did not admire such a life. They
considered His religion worthless, because it did not accord with their
standard of piety. They decided that Christ was not religious in spirit
or character; for their religion consisted in display, in praying publicly,
and in doing works of charity for effect. They trumpeted their good
deeds, as do those who claim sanctification. They would have all
understand that they are without sin. But the whole life of Christ
was in direct contrast to this. He sought neither gain nor honor. His
wonderful acts of healing were performed in as quiet a manner as
possible, although He could not restrain the enthusiasm of those who