Not long ago a young evangelist was discussing the question of meeting people on their own level, saying that it was necessary to do so in order to win them to Christ. He was very “loud” in his methods, coarse in his language, free with slang phrases; and his defense was that this was necessary in order to get the sympathies of the people among whom he labored, and thus lead them to a higher life. It is one of the most common mistakes in Christian service; all the more strange, too, when we have before us the striking example of Christ, the Master soul-winner. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, in His midnight conversation with the proud Pharisee, He never lowered His level of true manliness. In the former case, tho talking with an outcast, He was the soul of honor and courtesy. Had He descended to her coarse manner of living and speech, that which follows in the story—in some respects the most valuable teaching in the New Testament—would never have been written. There is a difference between being all things to all men and doing the things all men do. Coarse methods are never necessary; he who degrades himself in the fond hope of winning others to a higher place will soon come to grief and disappointment. No man ever spake like that Man; no man ever lived as He lived; yet He descended to the lowliest, not by degrading Himself, but by taking His own pure life and speech, translating them into pity and helpfulness. Much slum work might be more successful, if the workers did not so often use street manners to win street characters. The first characteristic of Jesus was, always and everywhere, the true Christian Gentleman. Wilful coarseness is no element of power. Self-identification with the needs of men does not mean partnership in the wrongs or weaknesses of men. Imitate the Master, who said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” —Anon.