Imitate Christ by H. Hunter

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 10, 1871

Imitate Christ.

By H. Hunter

Let Christians, when they are tempted to be proud, or to act contrary to the example of the Lord Jesus, suppose him once more addressing them, individually, in such terms as these: “How ill does pride or haughtiness become thee, O my disciple! when thy master was meek and lowly, and so much debased himself? Was he so poor? Blush, then, to think that thou art ashamed of poverty, or so anxious to avoid it. Did I not condescend to wash the feet of my apostles? and can you reckon the meanest office for charity, self-denial, or condescension, beneath you? Did I affect state or grandeur, and can you be vain of costly furniture and apparel? When you hear me, in my word, ascribing all the glory to God, will you seek and delight in the applause of mortals? If I pleased not myself, do you deserve the name of my disciple, when seeking to please yourself? Did the most outrageous insults and injustices only excite my pity, and not provoke me to anger; and shall disrespect, affronts, or even injuries, blow up my servants to sinful passion, resentment and revenge? Did I drink of my cup of unmingled bitterness without repining? And shall a small drop of gall, in affliction or disappointment, cause thee to murmur or complain? Why, oh! why, has the example of your Master so little influence upon your temper and conduct? Remember me, and be humble, patient, and mortified, to self and the world.—H. Hunter.