April 28

A Christian.—1 Peter 4:16.

WITH a clear knowledge of all that is implied in the word, can I call myself a Christian? Do I receive all that Christ teaches, and endeavor, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to do all that Christ commands? Am I Christlike in my views of truth; in my temper; in my endeavors, like him, to do good? Does my religion stand firm alike in joy or sorrow, in the sunshine and the storm? Does it exert a hallowed influence on others? Does the world see, and say, that I am a faithful follower of Christ? ______

If you are in faith a believer, in knowledge a disciple, in character a saint, in influence a light, in conflict a soldier, in communion a friend, in progress a pilgrim, and in relationship to God a child, then you may be assured that you are a Christian, an heir of God, and joint-heir with his Son. *

A Christian is one who is decided in his devotedness to God; painstaking in his search for truth; strong in benevolent purpose and holy endeavors; wielding a blessed influence; often failing, but never ceasing in right effort; one who lives for Christ, and of whom, in death, it can be said, "He being dead, yet speaketh."

—KINSTON.

Thee to serve, and thee to know,

Constitute my bliss below,

Thee to see, and thee to love,

Constitute my bliss above.

Lord, it is not life to live,

If thy presence thou deny;

And if thou that presence give,

'Tis no longer death to die!