THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST by Methodist Recorder

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 14, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 27.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.

By Methodist Recorder

“Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of,” was the rebuke which Christ gave to two of his disciples, when, on a certain occasion, they desired to call down fire from heaven and consume the inhabitants of a certain village who had refused to receive their Master. They were zealous for his honor, but they did not possess his spirit. We fear there are too many like them in the church to-day, who manifest great zeal for the cause of Christ, but who do not labor to promote it in the true spirit of the gospel.

If men would extend the cause of Christ, they must possess his spirit, and exemplify in their lives his meekness and gentleness, his humility and forbearance, his tenderness and love. This will commend his religion to others, and make converts to the faith. But if, instead of this, they manifest a spirit of self-seeking, a desire for pre-eminence, a harsh and unforgiving disposition, and an inclination, like the disciples, to take vengeance on others, how can they expect to win souls to Christ and extend his cause in the world? The cause of Christ can be extended only in the spirit of Christ. His love must constrain our hearts, and his glory in the salvation of souls must be the great object constantly kept in view.—Methodist Recorder.