Treasures from J.R. Miller
1840 — 1912 (choice excerpts)

"If any 19th century American Christian writer warrants reprinting, it is J. R. Miller! His writing style is delightfully smooth, his insights are spiritual diamonds on every page, and his pastoral applications are delivered with the skill of a well-seasoned physician of souls." (Pastor Bill Shishko)

"His books are restful and soothing, full of quiet but fresh inspiration and cheery optimism. They have comforted and encouraged countless thousands of readers!"

One friend paid this tribute to J. R. Miller: "We all loved him. His gentleness made him great. His winsomeness had no weakness in it. Somehow everybody felt drawn to him. He seemed so closely in touch with the best in heart and life. He was as gentle as a child, yet firm as a rock. He was lovable and helpful — always true, always tender."

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CHOICE EXCERPTS from J.R. Miller's Intimate Letters on Personal Problems

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Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living!

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night , so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

The habit of treasuring up a text of Scripture in the morning, to be meditated upon while engaged in the business of the world through the day — is both profitable and delightful. It is as a refreshing spring to a weary traveler! Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living , than the habit of getting a verse of Scripture into the mind and heart in the morning. Its influence stays through the day, weaving itself into all the day's thoughts and words and experiences. Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us to live — and a good devotional book opens up the precious teachings which are folded up in its words. A devotional book, which takes a Scripture text, and so opens it for us in the morning — that all day long it helps us to live, becoming a true lamp to our feet, and a staff to lean upon when the way is rough — is the very best devotional help we can possibly have. What we need in a devotional book which will bless our lives — is the application of the great teachings of Scripture — to common, daily, practical life!

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night! " Psalm 1:1-2

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Harder to tame than wild beasts! "The tongue has the power of life and death!" Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by Hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man — but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison!" James 3:6-8 The tongue is a very troublesome member! It is a very important member, however — and with it we can do great good. Our words, if they are true and loving — carry blessings wherever they are heard. But the tongue is hard to control. When we have really gotten our tongue under control — we are almost perfect. One who can govern his speech — can govern every other part of his life. A small bit keeps a spirited horse in check — and a little rudder turns a great ship in its course. Just so the tongue, though so small a member, controls the whole life! The tongue is harder to tame than wild beasts! There has been but one Man who never spoke foolishly, rashly, bitterly. Jesus never did — His words were always pure, sweet, helpful, and inspiring. We ought to set ourselves the task of mastering our tongues — for then we can do untold good with them. Only Christ can help us to do it. He mastered everything — demons, diseases, winds, waves, death itself. He alone can help us to master the most unruly tongue!

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This good, old couple! "They were both righteous before God — walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord." Luke 1:6 It is a beautiful thing which we read of this good, old couple , Zacharias and Elisabeth — that they were righteous before God . Some people appear to men to be righteous — who before God have no such record. Real character is what our hearts are — our hearts make us. We ought not to be satisfied only doing well, the things which men can see. We ought to work and live ever for God's eye . Sometimes we say that it is does not matter how we do certain things, because nobody will see them. But we should remember that God will see them — and surely we should never do careless, faulty work for His eye. The word "commandments" suggests that the holiness of these people was of a very practical kind. Some people's religion is chiefly emotional . They talk about loving God — but they pay little heed to His commandments. God is pleased with ardent devotions, but He wants us to prove our religion by obedience — doing the things which He gives us to do.

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A splendid sum in addition! "ADD . . . to your faith, virtue; to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 Our verses presents us with a splendid sum in addition! These graces are to be added one to another. Faith comes first. But faith cannot stand-alone, so we add to our faith, virtue — that is, conformity of one's life and conduct to the highest moral and ethical principles. Next we are to add knowledge . Knowledge, of course, of the true kind — wisdom for life, spiritual knowledge, knowledge of God, and of God's will as found in His Word. Self-control comes next — this is the key of all noble life. No matter how strong we are, or how much we know — if we have not self-control, then something is lacking. He who can rule himself is strong — while he who lacks self-mastery, no matter what other gifts he may have, is pitiably weak. Self-control produces another element — perseverance , perseverance in all Christian duties. Another quality to be added to patience is Godliness — Godlikeness, Christlikeness. Then comes brotherly kindness — affectionateness and forbearance to those among whom we mingle. Last of all — love , the crowning gift and blessing! These elements of character make up Christian maturity .

"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8

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The Word of God has in it an efficacy which no other book in the world has! "From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures , which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness — that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:15-17 It is a great thing to be brought up on the Holy Scriptures. No other book can do for a life, what the Bible can do. It is able to make one wise in the best way — for salvation through faith in Jesus. The Word of God has in it an efficacy which no other book in the world has! It is profitable for doctrine — instructing in holy things, the things of God and eternal life. It is profitable for reproof — convicting us of sin and declaring God's judgment against evil. It is profitable for correction — not only showing us our faults, but leading us away from them, freeing our lives from errors and making straight what was crooked. It is profitable for instruction in righteousness — telling us how God would have us live, what qualities of character He would have us attain. One who is trained under the tuition of the Scriptures will come to be a complete Christian, furnished for usefulness and prepared for doing whatever good work he may be called to do.

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It is not our business to re-write Bible verses! "I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1 It is not hard to praise the Lord at some times. There are days when all is bright. There is no sickness in our house. No recent sorrow has left our heart sad. It is easy then, to praise the Lord. But there are other times when things are different. Business is not prosperous — or health is broken. We begin to say this verse — but we cannot get through it: "I will praise the Lord at . . . " We cannot bless the Lord for the broken health — or for the empty chair. Yet there the words stand. We cannot make them read: "I will praise the Lord at some times; His praise will be on my lips on certain days — days when the sun shines." It is not our business to re-write Bible verses — but it is our business rather to bring our lives up to the standard of the inspired words. So we must learn to say the verse just as it is written. We must learn to bless the Lord on the dark days — as well as the bright days. We must learn to praise God in pain — as well as in pleasure . Have we learned this lesson?

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Absalom's Monument! "They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him . . . During his lifetime, Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King's Valley as a monument to himself . . . He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom's Monument to this day." 2 Samuel 18 It has been said that every man lives for a funeral — that is, a man's funeral often tells what kind of a man he has been. Absalom had already built a splendid monument, which he meant should mark his grave. Instead, however, of being laid away to rest in honor by a weeping nation, beneath the shadows of a noble monument — his mangled body was hurled in dishonor into a pit in the forest, and covered with a large heap of rocks.
It was still true, however, that Absalom built his own monument . His own hand dug the grave of shame into which his body was cast. Sin's harvest is sure and terrible! Too many young men think that it is unmanly to be holy, true-hearted, and pure — and that a "fast life" is the manly one. We have, in the story of Absalom, an illustration of the career of one who lived such a life — and we must notice that the story is written out to its last chapter. The trouble too often is, that men do not think of what the end will be.

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We need to be on our guard against Solomonian religion! "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God." 1 Kings 11:4 The trouble was all in Solomon's heart! It is the heart which needs watching and keeping with all diligence. The heart must be wholly devoted in its aim and motive, to God and His service. Solomon had a corner in his heart for the Lord — and then other corners for the gods of all the other nations. The Savior's words are: "You cannot serve both God and mammon." We need to be on our guard against Solomonian religion! There is plenty of it these days. It abhors the preaching of the stern truths of God's Word about sin and punishment, and about holiness. It sends well-near everybody to Heaven — and regards Hell as a mere fable! It calls holy Christians "puritanic" or "strait-laced." It calls great sins "escapades," and finds no use for such psalms as the fifty-first. It is not hard to see in this verse, however — which of the two kinds of religion pleases God best, and which leads to the best end.

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A lamp for my feet! "Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path." Psalm 119:105 God's Word is represented as a lamp for the feet .

It is a "lamp" — not a blazing sun, nor even a lighthouse — but a plain, common lamp or lantern which one can carry about in the hand.

It is a lamp "for the feet," not throwing its beams afar, not illumining a hemisphere — but shining only on the one little bit of road on which the pilgrim's feet are walking. The law of divine guidance is, "Step by step" . One who carries a lantern on a country-road at night, sees only one step before him. If he takes that step, he carries his lantern forward, and thus makes another step plain. At length he reaches his destination in safety, without once stepping into darkness. The whole way has been made light for him, though only a single step of it at a time. This illustrates the usual method of God's guidance . If this is the way God guides, it ought never to be hard for us to find our duty . It never lies far away, inaccessible to us — but is always near. It never lies out of our sight, in the darkness, for God never puts our duty where we cannot see it. The thing that we think may be our duty — but which is still lying in obscurity and uncertainty, is not our duty yet, whatever it may be a little farther on. The duty for the very moment is always clear — and that is as far as we need concern ourselves; for when we do the little that is clear, we will carry the light on, and it will shine on the next moment's step. Jesus said, "He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness." Prompt, unquestioning, undoubting following of Christ — takes all the perplexity out of Christian life and gives unbroken peace. There never is a moment without its duty; and if we are living near to Christ and following Him closely, we shall never be left in ignorance of what He wants us to do. Our daily prayer should be, " Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me." Psalm 119:133

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The divine Gardener We may think that our lot is especially hard — and may wish that it were otherwise. We may wish that we had a life of ease and luxury, amid softer scenes — with no briers or thorns, no worries or provocations. We think that then we would be always gentle, patient, serene, trustful, happy. How delightful it would be — never to have a care, an irritation, a trouble, a single vexing thing! But the fact remains — that the place in which we find ourselves — is the very place in which the Master desires us to live our life! There is no haphazard in God's world. God leads every one of His children by the right way . He knows where and under what influences, each particular life will ripen best. One tree grows best in the sheltered valley , another by the water's edge , another on the bleak mountain-top swept by storms. Every tree or plant is found in the precise locality to enhance its growth. And does God give more thought to trees and plants — than to His own children? No! He places us amid the circumstances and experiences in which our life will grow and ripen the best. The peculiar trials to which we are each subjected — is the exact discipline we each need to bring out the beauties and graces of true spiritual character in us. We are in the right school. We may think that we would ripen more quickly — in a more easy and luxurious life. But God knows what is best for us — He makes no mistakes! There is a little fable which says that a primrose growing by itself in a shady corner of the garden, became discontented as it saw the other flowers in their mirthful beds in the sunshine, and begged to be moved to a more conspicuous place. Its prayer was granted. The gardener transplanted it to a more showy and sunny spot. It was greatly pleased — but a change came over it immediately. Its blossoms lost much of their beauty, and became pale and sickly. The hot sun caused them to faint and wither. So it prayed again to be taken back to its old place in the shade. The wise gardener knows best, where to plant each flower. Just so, God, The divine Gardener , knows where His people will best grow into what He would have them to be. Some require the fierce storms; some will only thrive in the shadow of worldly adversity; and some come to ripeness more sweetly under the soft and gentle influences of prosperity — whose beauty, rough experiences would mar. The divine Gardener knows what is best for each one! There is no position in this world in the allotment of Providence, in which it is not possible to be a true Christian, exemplifying all the virtues of godliness. The grace of Christ has in it, potency enough to enable us to live godly — wherever we are called to dwell. When God chooses a home for us — He fits us for its peculiar trials. God adapts His grace to the peculiarities of each one's necessity. For rough, flinty paths — He provides shoes of iron. He never sends anyone to climb sharp, rugged mountain-sides, wearing silken slippers . He always gives sufficient grace . As the burdens grow heavier — the strength increases. As the difficulties thicken — He draws closer. As the trials become sorer — the trusting heart grows calmer. Jesus always sees His disciples, when they are toiling in the waves — and at the right moment He comes to deliver them. Thus it becomes possible to live a true and victorious life — in any circumstances. Christ can as easily enable Joseph to remain pure and true in heathen Egypt — as Benjamin in the shelter of his father's love. The sharper the temptations — the more of divine grace is granted. There is, therefore, no environment of trial , or difficulty or hardship — in which we cannot live beautiful lives of Christian fidelity and holy conduct. Instead, then, of yielding to discouragement when trials multiply and it becomes hard to live right, or of being satisfied with a very faulty life — it should be our settled purpose to live, through the grace of God — a patient, gentle and unspotted life — in the place, and amid the circumstances, He allots to us. The true victory is not found in escaping or evading trials — but in rightly meeting and enduring them. The questions should not be, "How can I get out of these worries? How can I get into a place where there shall be no irritations, nothing to try my temper or put my patience to the test? How can I avoid the distractions that continually harass me?" There is nothing noble in such living. The questions should rather be, "How can I pass through these trying experiences — and not fail as a Christian? How can I endure these struggles — and not suffer defeat? How can I live amid these provocations , these testings of my temper — and yet live sweetly, not speaking unadvisedly, bearing injuries meekly, returning gentle answers to insulting words?" This is the true problem of Christian living.

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Fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets! "Unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20 God often does better for us — than we ask. We go to Him — with our little requests . We are in need — and ask for temporal relief. We are suffering — and ask that our pain may cease. We are poor — and ask Him for more money. We are just like the beggar, holding out our hands for paltry alms to eke out the day's need. Then God looks down upon us and says, "My child, are these little trifles all you want Me to give to you — daily bread, clothing, fuel for your fire, medicine for your sickness, comfort for your grief? The small things to supply your common needs — are these the only gifts and blessings you want and ask from the hand of your heavenly Father, who has infinite treasures to give to you?" Yet thousands never get beyond just such requests in their praying! Bowing daily before a God of infinite power and love , in whose hands are unsearchable riches — they never ask for anything but fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets! They ask only for things for their bodies, or to beautify their homes — making no requests for the heavenly and spiritual gifts that God has for their souls! We should learn to ask for the best things in all God's treasure house! "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above , where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above , not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2

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The problem of living in this world , is to pass through life's vicissitudes without being harmed by them — growing into more and more radiant and beautiful Christly life, whatever our circumstances and experiences may be. It is in this phase of our living, that we need Christ most of all. We cannot escape meeting temptation ; but we are so to meet it as not to be hurt by it, coming from it rather with new strength and new radiancy of soul. We cannot find a path in which no sorrow shall come into our life — but we are to pass through sorrow without having our life marred by it. None but Christ can keep us thus unhurt — amid the manifold perils through which we must move continually. It is only by committing our life into the hands of Christ, that there ever can be absolute safety in this world so full of evil , or that our life ever can reach its holiest possibilities.

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In the same ruthless way!

One day when the tide was out, a man went out to gather sea plants on the rocks, and in stepping from ledge to ledge — his foot slipped down and became jammed in a crevice. He attempted to pull it out — but could not. He cried aloud, he shrieked, he prayed — but all in vain — no one heard him! So the tide came rolling in, and rose up higher and higher until it rolled over him and drowned his last gurgling cry in its remorseless waters. In the same ruthless way — sin clutches men! Even one sin, one secret sin, one evil habit — may hold the soul that indulges it — until the floods of judgment come and roll over it, engulfing it in eternal damnation!

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What is it for you to be a Christian? We ought to seek to gather in this world — treasure that we can carry with us through death's gates, and into the eternal world. We should strive to build into our lives — qualities that shall endure. Men slave and work to get a little money , or to obtain honor , or power , or to win an earthly crown — but when they pass into the great vast forever , they take nothing of all this with them! Yet there are things — virtues, fruits of character, graces — which men do carry with them out of this world. What a man IS — he carries with him into the eternal world. Money and rank and pleasures and earthly gains — he leaves behind him; but his character, he takes with him into eternity! This suggests at once, the importance of character and character-building. Character is not what a man professes to be — but what he really IS, as God sees him. A man may not be as good as his reputation . A good reputation may hide an evil heart and life . Reputation is not character. Reputation is what a man's neighbors and friends think of him; character is what the man IS. Christ's character is the model, the ideal, for every Christian life. We are to be altogether like Him; therefore all of life's aiming and striving should be towards Christ's blessed beauty. His image we find in the Gospels. We can look at it every day. We can study it in its details, as we follow our Lord in His life among men, in all the variations of experience through which He passed. A little Christian girl was asked the question, " What is it for you to be a Christian? " She answered, "It is to do as Jesus would do, and behave as He would behave — if He were a little girl and lived at our house." No better answer could have been given. And there is scarcely any experience of life — for which we cannot find something in Christ's life to instruct us. We can find the traits and qualities of His life, as they shine out in His contact . . . with temptation, with enmity, with wrong, with pain, with sorrow. The next thing, when we have the vision of Christ before us, is to get it implanted into our own life. We cannot merely dream ourselves into godly manhood or womanhood; we must forge for ourselves, with sweat and anguish, the beautiful visions of Christ-likeness which we find on the Gospel pages! It will cost us self-discipline, oftentimes anguish, as we must deny ourselves, and cut off the things we love. SELF must be crucified. It is not easy to become a godly man, a Christlike man.

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We do not have to be crucified on pieces of wood! "I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy — to offer your bodies as living sacrifices , holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1 The godly life is not one of ease, pleasure and self-indulgence. We are taught to present our bodies, as a living sacrifice unto God. Ancient offerings were brought to the altar, and presented dead . But the Christian sacrifice, instead of being poured out in a bloody oblation, is to be a living sacrifice of service, of love, of devotion. The great sacrifice of Christ is both the model for all Christian life, and also its inspiration . We look at His six hours on the cross — as if that were its only act and expression. But the cross was not endured by Christ merely during those six hours on Calvary; it was in all His life, in every day and hour of it. Everything He did was in love, and love is always a living sacrifice. He was always sacrificing Himself . On Calvary, He only wrote the word out in capitals! The cross stands not merely for the sufferings of Christ endured in redeeming sinners — but also for the law of love and of sacrifice in every department of Christian living. It is not enough to have the cross on our churches, as a symbol of redemption; or to wear it as an ornament around our neck; the cross must be in the heart — and manifested in the life! We talk a great deal about the love of Christ — but we must strive to illustrate it and reproduce in our own lives, in our own measure — the sweetness, the charity, the kindness and the helpfulness of Jesus Christ. The cross is everywhere. The more of the 'sacrificial' quality we get into our life — the diviner and the lovelier our life will be. We do not have to be crucified on pieces of wood — to bear a cross, and make a living sacrifice. The cross must be in the lives of those who follow Christ; not branded on their bodies — but wrought into their character, their disposition, their conduct, their spirit! We cannot live a Christian life for a day, without coming to points of sacrifice. The cross of Christ does not take our own cross from us — Christ does not bear our cross for us. His cross becomes the law of our life, and makes it all sacrificial. Every sacrificial thing we do, reveals the cross. The Beatitudes are all sacrificial. No one can live the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, and not crucify self continually . All sacrifice at length, blossoms into Christlike beauty, sweetness and joy. "Take me, Lord, and use me today — as You will. I lay all my plans at Your feet. Whatever work You have for me to do — give it into my hands. If there are those You would have me help in any way — send them to me, or send me to them. Take my time — and use it just as You will."

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Our thorn! "To keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud." 2 Corinthians 12:7 We do not know how much of Paul's rich, beautiful life, and his noble work for his Master — he owed to his thorn . Just so, we do not know how much we are indebted to our sufferings and sorrows . Our richest lessons — are the fruit of pain, of weakness, of sorrow. There is not one of us who has not his own thorn. With one it may be a bodily infirmity or weakness. With another it is some disfigurement which cannot be removed. It may be some difficulty in circumstances, something which makes it hard to live beautifully. The Master told Paul that his thorn was necessary to him — to save him from becoming proud. We may think of our thorn , too — as something we need . Instead of allowing it to irritate us or to spoil our life — its mission is to make us sweet, patient, loving. Many people beseech the Lord to take away their thorn. Yet it may be, that the prayer is not answered, will not be answered, should not be answered. It may be, that the thorn is necessary to keep them humble at God's feet. God sends some of our best blessings to us in our thorns , and it will be a sad thing if we thrust them away and miss them.

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The Divine eye! "Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright in the sight of God , observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." Luke 1:6 This is a beautiful thing to have said of them. Yet, after all, that is the test which every life must endure. It is not enough to have human commendation. The question is — how do we stand before God? How does our life appear — to Him? It does not matter how men praise and commend us — if God sees that we are living wrong. The Pharisees were righteous before men; but if you would see how they stood in God's eye, read the twenty-third chapter of Matthew. We are in reality — just what we are before God — nothing less, nothing more. The question we should always ask ourselves is, "What does God think of me?" If we would meet His approval, we must first have our hearts right, and then we must be blameless and true in every part of our life. We should live just as purely and beautifully in secret — as in the glare of the world's gaze . There really is no such thing as secrecy in this world. We imagine that no eye is looking — when we are not in the presence of men. But really, we always have a spectator ; we are living all our life in the presence of God Himself! We should train ourselves, therefore, to work for the Divine eye in all that we do, that our work may stand the Divine inspection, and that we may have the approval and commendation of God Himself.

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The purpose of the Bible "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness — so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work ." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Paul has no uncertain word about the inspiration of the Scriptures. The Bible alone is the Word of God. Holy men wrote it as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. There are other good books in the world — but none like the Word of God. We ought to read the Bible reverently — since God speaks to us in its pages. We ought to believe it — for His Word must be absolutely true. We should obey it — since what God commands must be right. We may yield our whole life to its influence — to be guided and fashioned by it.
Scripture is profitable for teaching — that is, for instruction in all matters that concern life. It is profitable for rebuking — it shows us our sins, our follies, our mistakes. It is profitable for correcting — to bring us back from wrong ways to right ways. It is profitable for training in righteousness — it gives us instruction for all true and beautiful living. "So that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The purpose of the Bible is to make complete men of us. If we follow it in everything — it will show us the right way, it will reveal to us the perfect ideal of Christian character, it will inspire us to holy living.

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Am I like Jesus — or not? " Jesus got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him." John 13:4-5

Serving is not an easy lesson to learn. But it is a lesson which we must learn — if ever we would become like our Master. Jesus did not come to be served — but to serve . He served to the uttermost, just as He loved to the uttermost. Any service that needed to be done for another — He did as naturally and as simply as He breathed! He loved people, and was interested in them and was ready always to be helpful to them. It never mattered what the service was, whether it was the saving of a soul, the curing of a grievous sickness, or washing feet — He did the least service — as graciously and as divinely as the greatest!

The washing of feet was the lowliest service any man could do for another. It was the work of the lowliest slave . Yet Jesus without hesitation, did this service for His own disciples. Thus He taught them that nothing anyone may ever need to have done by another — is unfit for the holiest hands. We begin to be like Christ — only when we begin to love others enough to serve them, regardless of the lowliness of the particular service.

One day a stranger entered an artist's studio in Milan. The artist was working on a painting of the head of Christ and appeared to take no notice of the stranger. At last he broke the silence, looked at the man and asked, "Sir, does it look like Jesus — or not?"

There is no surer test of the genuineness of Christian life — than in this matter of serving others . In serving others, we should inquire, " Am I like Jesus — or not? " We are too careful of our dignity . When we see the Son of God washing His disciples' feet — we should be ashamed ever to ask whether anything another may need to have done — is too menial for us to do. A king may do the lowliest kindness to the poorest peasant in his realm — and his honor will only be enhanced by it.

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet — you also should wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do, just as I have done for you." John 13:14, 15

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Our clumsy hands! "I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted!" Job 42:2 We cannot do what we desire to do. Many of our purposes are thwarted. We desire to do good and beautiful things, and we try — but our actual achievements fall far below our desires. Our clumsy hands cannot fashion the loveliness which our hearts dream of. Our faltering weakness cannot do the brave things our souls aspire to do. No artist ever paints on his canvas — all the beauty of his ideal. No singer ever expresses — all the music which burns within him as he sings. No eloquent orator ever utters — all that he feels as he pleads for truth or for justice. So in all our life — we do only a little of what we strive to do . We set out in the morning with purposes of usefulness, of true living, of gentle-heartedness, of patience, of victoriousness; but in the evening we find only little fragments of these good intentions actually wrought out!
But God's plans and intentions are all carried out! No power can withstand Him — or frustrate His will. It was in this thought, that Job found peace in his long, sore trial: all things were in God's hands, and nothing could hinder His designs of love! Our God is infinitely strong. In all earthly confusions, strifes, and troubles — His hand moves, bringing good out of evil for those who trust in Him. He executes all His purposes of good. He is never hindered in blessing His children. "I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted!" Job 42:2
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God's threshing "You will have tribulation in this world." John 16:33 The word tribulation is very suggestive. It comes from a root which means 'a flail' . The thresher uses the flail to beat the wheat sheaves, that he may separate the golden wheat from the chaff and straw. Tribulation is God's threshing — not to destroy us, but to get what is good, heavenly, and spiritual in us — separated from what is wrong, earthly, and fleshly. Nothing less than blows of pain will do this. The golden wheat of goodness in us, is so closely wrapped up in the strong chaff of sin — that only the heavy flail of suffering can produce the separation! Many of us would never enter the gates of pearl — were it not for this unwelcome messenger, pain! "We must go through many troubles to enter the kingdom of God!" Acts 14:22

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It is not easy to be a man! Christ is more than a teacher . A teacher shows us lofty qualities and attainments — and then leaves us in hopeless weakness in the dust. But Christ is Helper, Friend, Savior — as well as Teacher. He shows us what true manliness is — and then comes into our life and inspires us to strive after the things which He commends; and then breathes His life into us to help us to be what He teaches us to be. It is not easy to be a man — a true, noble, Christlike man. It means continual struggle, for enemies of manliness meet us at every step! Every inch of the way must be won in battle . It means constant restraint and repression of sin — for the 'old man' in us must be subdued and kept under control. It means constant, painful discipline — for the powers of nature are evil and unruly, and hard to tame and control. It means unending toil and self-denial — for we must climb ever upward , and the way is steep and rugged, and SELF must be trampled to death under our feet as we rise to higher life! It is hard to be a true man — for all the odds seem against us. But Christ lives, and He is Helper, Friend, and Guide — to every man who truly receives Him as Lord and Master.

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You say you want to be like Christ "The Son of Man did not come to be served — but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many!" Matthew 20:28 The art of photography is now so perfect, that the whole picture of a large newspaper can be taken in miniature so small, as to be carried in a little pendant — and yet every letter and point be perfect. Just so, the whole life of Christ is photographed in one little phrase , "not to be served — but to serve."

He came not to be served; if this had been His aim — He would never have left heaven's glory, where He lacked nothing, where angels praised Him and ministered unto Him. He came to serve . He went about doing good. He altogether forgot Himself. He served all He met — who would receive His service. At last He gave His life in uttermost service — giving it as a sin-atoning sacrifice for others. He came not to be served — but to serve. You say you want to be like Christ . You ask Him to print His own image on your heart. Here, then is the image! It is no vague dream of perfection that we are to think of — when we ask to be made like Christ. The Catholic monks thought that they were becoming like Christ — when they went into the wilderness, away from men, to live in cold cells. But that is not the what this picture suggests. "To serve" — that is the Christlike thing! Instead of fleeing away from the world — we are to live among men, to serve them, to seek to bless them, to do them good, to give our life for them!

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A needed book "I have put my hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:81 So long as there are . . . tears and sorrows, and broken hearts, and crushed hopes, and human failures, and lives burdened and bowed down, and spirits sad and despairing — so long will the Bible be a needed book . It is full of inspiration, light, help and strength for earth's weary ones. "The law of the LORD is perfect — reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy — making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right — giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant — giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure — enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold — even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey — even honey dripping from the comb. By them is Your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11

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The grace of gentleness "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me — for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29 There are some Christians who seem never to have learned love's secret of gentleness . There is nothing that this sad, sorrowing, sinning world needs — more than gentleness; like that of Him of whom it is written, that He would not break a bruised reed. We need to pray for the grace of gentleness that we may walk softly among men, never hurting another life by harsh word or ungentle act. "We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children." 1 Thessalonians 2:7 "Be completely humble and gentle ; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

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Nursing a viper! "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived." Colossians 3:5-7 A new life in Christ calls for the utter destruction of these evils. It is a shameful list which Paul names. It makes us ashamed to think that such qualities may belong to us — or may nest in our heart! Who would have thought that any these vile things could exist in anyone who wears the human form! Yet many of these ugly things are found in each of us! Our hearts are naturally cages of unclean birds! What does Paul tell us we should do with these unholy things? He says we are to put them to death. When we find any evil thing in ourselves, we must kill it, for it is not right for it to live. An uncompromising war should be waged against all evil. He who cherishes any impurity in himself — is nursing a viper which will sting him to death by and by!

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The way to obtain the help of God "I have had God's help to this very day , and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike." Acts 26:22 When Paul stood before Agrippa, it was twenty-five years after his conversion. They had been years of toilsome life, amid enemies and dangers; but the heroic old apostle had never given up, never faltered, never turned aside. It was a great record — but he takes no praise to himself. The help came from God — for all these years of faithful witnessing. Many Christians fear that they will not be able to stand faithful and true to the end. Here is an encouraging word for all such: They shall obtain help from God for every duty, for every hour of danger, for every struggle. They need only to be faithful day by day, doing the day's duty quietly, and trusting God. This help will come from Him, silently, secretly, just as it is needed, always sufficient grace — so that they shall be able to stand faithful year after year. God never puts a burden on us — without giving us the strength we need to carry it. The way to obtain the help of God — is to go faithfully and promptly forward in the way of duty, asking for the help, and sure of getting it. It will not come if we wait to get it before we set out to do His will. "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you — will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

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The first Christians

"The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Acts 11:26 The lives of the converts were so different from their unbelieving neighbors, that they were called Christians . It is supposed that the name was given them in mockery or contempt by the heathen people of Antioch. But the name stuck, and is now used universally to describe those who follow Christ. It may not be the very best of names. Perhaps disciples is better — disciples means learners, followers. We should all be disciples of Christ and should ever be learning of Him, growing in grace and likeness of Him as we follow Him. Perhaps believers is a better name. It carries in itself the thought that we are saved by believing on Christ. It is faith which works the victories in this world. Perhaps followers would be better. To follow Christ is to receive Him as Master and to cling to Him in obedience and devotion wherever we may go. But the word "Christian," given at Antioch as a sneer — is now used everywhere. It is full of meaning. Those who are Christians should be like Christ — "little Christs". They should represent Christ in the world. Those who see them — should see the image of Christ in them! Matthew Henry says, "Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians . The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes His promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example . Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian — to whom it does not rightly belong! But the name without the reality — will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

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In the midst of all the wild scene — Stephen fell asleep! "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him! But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look!" he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep ." Acts 7:54-60 To Stephen, dying was only breathing out his soul into the hands of Jesus Christ! He knew it was not death — but life , which was before him. His body was being mangled and broken — but his spirit, his real self, could not be harmed. Beyond the strange mystery of death — Jesus waits to receive the departing spirit. Death is only a gateway through which the soul passes — and then life and glory burst upon the vision of the emancipated spirit! Very beautiful is the picture of death which is given here: "He fell asleep." Sleep is death's new, sweet name! What a picture of peace the word suggests, right here in the heart and fury of the mob! In the midst of all the wild scene — Stephen fell asleep! We think of a tired child creeping into the mother's bosom and falling asleep. Sleep is not