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glories are for them, and they will become refined, elevated, ennobled
by this intimate acquaintance with God. Such is the privilege of true
Christians.
Abstract meditation is not enough; busy action is not enough; both
are essential to the formation of Christian character. Strength acquired
in earnest, secret prayer prepares us to withstand the allurements of
society. And yet we should not exclude ourselves from the world, for
our Christian experience is to be the light of the world. The society of
unbelievers will do us no harm if we mingle with them for the purpose
of connecting them with God and are strong enough spiritually to
withstand their influence.
Christ came into the world to save it, to connect fallen man with the
infinite God. Christ’s followers are to be channels of light. Maintaining
communion with God, they are to transmit to those in darkness and
error the choice blessings which they receive of heaven. Enoch did not
become polluted with the iniquities existing in his day; why need we in
our day? But we may, like our Master, have compassion for suffering
humanity, pity for the unfortunate, and a generous consideration for the
feelings and necessities of the needy, the troubled, and the despairing.
Those who are Christians indeed will seek to do good to others
and at the same time will so order their conversation and deportment
as to maintain a calm, hallowed peace of mind. God’s word requires
that we should be like our Saviour, that we should bear His image,
imitate His example, live His life. Selfishness and worldliness are not
fruits of a Christian tree. No man can live for himself and yet enjoy
the approbation of God.
September 5, 1879
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