Page 165 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

164 'HIRD BOOK OF
world, but does not rget the Gospel of Christ. He discharges the business of his station r God's sake with delity and exactness. He even excels the worldling in industry, and in application to his pro­ fessional employments. Like the early converts de­ scribed in the Acts of the Apostles, he takes his od and drink "with gladness and simplicity of heart." His countenance is always pleasant and agreeable, nor does it lose this character, even when zeal kindles on his atures, or devotion burns in his eyes. When he is occupied in his pro ssion, his heart often looks heavenward, and says to God, "I do this r thee." When he eats and drinks, he does the same ; when he toils, he does the same; and when he rests, he rests r God. Recreation, as well as labour, is with him a sacri ce. Nothing that lls within the circle of his duty is too high, or too low; to be re rred to God. The round of his external occupations is often almost the same as that of a man of the world : it is tbe "hidden sanctity" that makes all the distinction in merit. It is the di erence of motive that saves the one and damns the other.
2. To an indi erent eye it might appear that the true Christian often shares as largely in the things of earth, as the worldling who seldom or never thinks of heaven. The latter sees him labour diligently, converse eely and rationally, take his meals cheer­ fully, unbend his strength in agreeable recreation, go quietly to rest at night, and mingle rationally in the amusements of society. "I am as good as he," exclaims the worldling, " r I do as he does." Ah no !-The ower be re me seems the same as when it grew upon the tree in summer; it has the hue, the smell, and in everything the likeness of a Iiving ower.
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