1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 So that you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.… We can do more good by being good than in any other way. (Rowland Hill.)A young infidel was one night in bed, contemplating the character of his mother. "I see," he said, within himself, "two unquestionable facts. First, my mother is greatly afflicted in circumstances, body and mind; and I see that she cheerfully bears up under all by the support she derives from constantly retiring to her closet and her Bible. Secondly, that she has a secret spring of comfort of which I know nothing; while I who give an unbounded loose to my appetites, and seek pleasure by every means, seldom or never find it. If, however, there is any such secret in religion, why may not I attain to it as well as my mother? I will immediately seek it of God." Thus the influence of Christianity, exhibited in its beauty by a living example before him, led Richard Cecil to know Christ Himself, and to glorify Him by a most successful and devoted life. (F. Morse, M. A.)When native converts on the island of Madagascar used to present them selves for baptism, it was often asked of them, "What first led you to think of becoming Christians. Was it a particular sermon or address, or the reading of God's word?" The answer usually was, that the changed conduct of others who had become Christians was what first arrested their attention. "I knew this man to be a thief; that one was a drunkard; another was very cruel and unkind to his family. Now they are all changed. The thief is an honest man, the drunkard is sober and respectable, and the other is gentle and kind in his home. There must be something in a religion that can work such changes." (S. S. Times.) Parallel Verses KJV: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.WEB: so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. |
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