because we are not in our lives doing the will
of our Father which is in Heaven. If we are selfish, self-willed,
proud, lovers of our own selves, our religion is but the sheep's
clothing covering the wolfish heart, or the white paint hiding the
corruption of the sepulchre. It is easy enough to assume the character
and manner of a Christian, but to live the Christian life is not so
easy. A man can make a sham diamond in a very short time, but the real
gem must lie for ages in the earth before it can sparkle with perfect
purity. We have far too many of these quickly made Christians amongst
us, who have never brought forth fruits meet for repentance, nor gone
through the fire of trial, and sorrow, and self-sacrifice. Do not
trust to feelings, or words, in yourselves or others, look at your
life; a real and a false diamond are very much alike, and yet there is
all the difference in the world in their value.

"If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall
live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God." My brothers, who is our leader and guide, the Holy Spirit, or
our own will? How shall we know? By our fruits. They tell us that
whenever the holy saint David, of Wales, stood up to preach, there came
a milk-white dove, and sat upon his shoulder. It is a serious question
for you and me, for preacher and people, does the White Dove perch on
my shoulder as I preach? Does the Holy Ghost descend like a dove on
you who hear? Men of business, anxious workers, is the White Dove with
you in your factory, your farm, your office? Mothers and fathers,
young men and maidens, is there a place in your home where the Holy
Spirit may come, and continually dwell?

Let us look into our lives very closely, and see whether we are
mistaking outward form for true religion, words and professions for
holiness, leaves for fruit. What are some of the fruits which God
looks for in the life of a Christian? At the head of all, I think, we
must place _love_. Ah! you will say to me,--I only wish I could love
God more. It is so hard to love One whom we cannot see. I worship
God, I try to keep His commandments, but I am not sure that I _love_
God. My brother, my sister, let not your heart be troubled. If you
really try to do God's Will it is a proof of your love. "If ye love
Me, keep My commandments." "For this is the love of God, that we keep
His commandments. If a man say, I love Go