To be a Christian by Geo. Wright, Jr.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1865

"To be a Christian"

By Geo. Wright, Jr.

Is to be a true gentleman in the highest and broadest sense of the term: Oh the exalted privileges our dear Saviour has purchased for us; "think of it!" to be a son and daughter of the Lord Almighty.

To be a Christian, let us remember, is to be Christ-like; to be in intimate relation with him, the author of our salvation, the fountain of all our joys.

He that winneth souls is wise, Prov. xi, 30. And I know of no better plan to win our fellow-men to the truth, than by a uniformly kind, courteous, gentlemanly demeanor. Few are so incorrigibly wicked and lost to all the finer feelings of our nature, that they cannot be reached by the power of Christian kindness. Said a great and good man, "He who shows that he loves me, has access at once to my heart. He who does not, cannot make a way there, by any argument, eloquence, denunciation or learning."

An inspired writer in giving his experience in winning souls says, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1 Cor. ix, 22. Horne, I think, gives a true idea of the apostle's meaning in the following: "With the most pliant condescension, bending his notions and manners to theirs, as far as his duty to God would permit, a conduct compatible neither with the stiffness of the bigot, nor the violent impulsiveness of fanatical delusion."

Here we are, dear brethren, on the very threshold of eternity. A great work is to be accomplished, and all have a part to act. "Enter into my vineyard and work," says Jesus. A faithful record is being kept, and the hour of recompense is at hand. What is done must be done quickly. Oh let us be true, heroic, and kind, "in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth." 2 Tim. ii, 25.

GEO. WRIGHT, JR.

Lapeer, Mich.