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9 As a Christian man I do not lead a more holy life then in years gone by. I look over the lives of holy men - observe their steadfast zeal their singleness of action - their centering faith and love - and think as for me such holiness of life is not possible. It is for men whose by objects in life are one with those of religion. But I might be more religions and yet not hinder my earthly prospects. I discover I have a besetting sin - that society tempts me. I try to be consistent as a Christian. My main defect this year is - God is not enough in my thoughts. In the duties of private prayer and of reading the Scripture I never was more remiss in my life. One singular thing has happened to me. When I left home three years ago I said to myself - I have been religious in my thoughts and strict in my duties ever since my boyish days. I am going to a country when are within Sanctuaries nor Christian privileges. I will omit my strict round of duties - that when I resume them they may be fresh and a sense of greater zest to me - now they are performed men from habit and from long continuance seem a lack. While in California I remitted these things. Slackened the rein of Conscience - and let my jewell of love and faith remain unused but I found in my arrival here - a land of churches that I had almost backslidden I find in hard work to regain the old paths - having a new habit to create. I think had it not been for the inciting example of Christian brethren - I should still have my talent hidden in the ground unimproved and unused. Christian association is like chains of brass to hold the wandering soul - and draw back the prodiged. I have not made shipwreck of faith - though only God knows how near I came to it. As the ship on a strange coast - during the dark night many pass safely over many a hidden danger have not know her hair-breadth-escape - so does the Christian escape alive and only