p. 677 | Copy Jesus

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 11, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 43.

Copy Jesus.

HAVE you ever noticed how badly boys write at the bottom of the pages in their copy-books? There is the copy at the top, and in the first line they look at that; in the second line they copy their own imitation, and so the writing grows worse and worse as it descends the page. Now the apostles followed Christ, the first fathers imitated the apostles, the next fathers copied the first fathers, and so the standard of holiness fell dreadfully; and now we are too apt to follow the very lees and dregs of Christianity, and we think if we are about as good as our poor, imperfect ministers or leaders in the church, that we shall do well and deserve praise. But now, my brethren, cover up the mere copies and imitations, and live by the first line. Copy Jesus. "He is altogether lovely," and if you write by the first line, you will write by the truest and best model in the world.—Sel.