The Present Truth, vol. 19

December 24, 1903

“Not the Outside But the Inside” The Present Truth 19, 51, p. 804.

ATJ

IT is not what is outside of us but what is inside, that makes us Christians and keeps us so. PTUK December 24, 1903, page 804.1

If you think you could be a better Christian if there were better brethren and sisters in the church, you greatly mistake. It is just the other way; if you were a better Christian, you would find better brethren and sisters in the church. PTUK December 24, 1903, page 804.2

If you think you could do better if only you had better neighbours, you greatly mistake. The truth is that if you would do better, you would have better neighbours. And if you were a better Christian, you would do better. You must be better before you can do better. PTUK December 24, 1903, page 804.3

Christianity does not come from ourselves, nor from anybody nor anything that is around us. It comes down straight from heaven to every soul who will receive it. And having its source in heaven, it is not and cannot be affected by anything that is of earth. PTUK December 24, 1903, page 804.4

Thus the Christian has joy in sorrow, peace in perplexity, riches in poverty, society in loneliness, and friendship among strangers and even enemies. PTUK December 24, 1903, page 804.5

A. T. JONES.