Page:Free Opinions, Freely Expressed on Certain Phases of Modern Social Life and Conduct.djvu/83

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which shames the upper classes of society. Let them live such lives as may liberate them from all fear or hesitation in speaking out boldly to the souls they have in charge—let them "preach the Gospel" as they were commanded, rather than expound human dogmas. Sympathy, tenderness, patience, love for all living creatures, rejection of everything that is mean and cruel, false and cowardly,—a broad mind, open to all the beautiful and gracious influences of Nature—a spirit uplifted in thanksgiving to the loving God of all worlds, who is brought close to us and made the friend of man in the Divine Personality of Christ,—this surely is Christianity,—a Faith which leaves no corner anywhere for the admission of hate, dissension or despair. Such is the Faith the Master taught, saying:

[1]"I have not spoken of myself, but of the Father which sent me; He gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak.

"And I know that His commandment is life everlasting—whatsoever I speak, therefore, even as the Father taught me, so I speak."

So He speaks—but do we listen? And if we listen,—and believe,—why do we not obey?

  1. John xii. 49.