Icopythevirtuesonebyone。"
　　ThedifficultyaboutthecopyingmethodisthatitisapttobemechanicalOnecanalwaystellanengravingfromapicture，anartificialflowerfromarealflowerTocopyvirtuesonebyonehassomewhatthesameeffectaseradicatingthevicesonebyone；
　　thetemporaryresultisanoverbalancedandincongruouscharacter。
　　SomeonedefinesaPRIGas"acreaturethatisover-fedforitssize。"OnesometimesfindsChristiansofthisspecies——over-fedononesideoftheirnature，butdismallythinandstarvedlookingontheotherTheresult，forinstance，ofcopyingHumility，andaddingitontoanotherwiseworldlylife，issimplygrotesqueA
　　rabidtemperanceadvocate，forthesamereason，isoftenthepoorestofcreatures，flourishingonasinglevirtue，andquiteobliviousthathisTemperanceismakingaworsemanofhimandnotabetter。
　　TheseareexamplesoffinevirtuesspoiledbyassociationwithmeancompanionsCharacterisaunity，andallthevirtuesmustadvancetogethertomaketheperfectman。
　　Thismethodofsanctification，nevertheless，isinthetruedirection。
　　Itisonlyinthedetailsofexecutionthatitfails。
　　4AfourthmethodIneedscarcelymention，foritisavariationonthosealreadynamedItisTheveryyoungman'smethod；
　　andthepureearnestnessofitmakesitalmostdesecrationtotouchitItistokeepaprivatenote-bookwithcolumnsforthedaysoftheweek，andalistofvirtues，withspacesagainsteachformarksthis，withmanysternrulesforpreface，isstoredawayinasecretplace，andfromtimetotime，atnightfall，thesoulisarraignedbeforeitasbeforeaprivatejudgmentbar。
　　ThislivingbycodewasFranklin'smethod；andIsupposethousandsmorecouldtellhowtheyhadhungupintheirbedrooms，orhidinlocked-fastdrawers，theruleswhichonesolemndaytheydrewuptoshapetheirlives。
　　Thismethodisnoterroneous，onlysomehowitssuccessispoor。
　　YoubearmewitnessthatitfailsAnditfailsgenerallyforverymatter-of-factreasons——mostlikelybecauseonedayweforgettherules。
　　Allthesemethodsthathavebeennamed——theself-sufficientmethod，theself-crucifixionmethod，themimeticmethod，andthediarymethod——areperfectlyhuman，perfectlynatural，perfectlyignorant，andastheystandperfectlyinadequateItisnotargued，Irepeat，thattheymustbeabandonedTheirharmisratherthattheydistractattentionfromthetrueworkingmethod，andsecureafairresultattheexpenseoftheperfectoneWhatthatperfectmethodisweshallnowgoontoask。
　　ITheformulaofsanctification。
　　Aformula，areceiptforSanctification——canoneseriouslyspeakofthismightychangeasiftheprocesswereasdefiniteasfortheproductionofsomanyvoltsofelectricity？
　　ItisimpossibletodoubtitShallamechanicalexperimentsucceedinfallibly，andtheonevitalexperimentofhumanityremainachance？Iscorntogrowbymethod，andcharacterbycaprice？
　　Ifwecannotcalculatetoacertaintythattheforcesofreligionwilldotheirwork，thenisreligionvainAndifwecannotexpressthelawoftheseforcesinsimplewords，thenisChristianitynottheworld'sreligion，buttheworld'sconundrum。
　　Where，then，shallonelookforsuchaformula？Whereonewouldlookforanyformula——amongthetext-booksAndifweturntothetext-booksofChristianityweshallfindaformulaforthisproblemasclearandpreciseasanyinthemechanicalsciencesIfthissimplerule，moreover，bebutfollowedfearlessly，itwillyieldtheresultofaperfectcharacterassurelyasanyresultthatisguaranteedbythelawsofnature。
　　ThefinestexpressionofthisruleinScripture，orindeedinanyliterature，isprobablyonedrawnupandcondensedintoasingleversebyPaulYouwillfinditinaletter——thesecondtotheCorinthians——writtenbyhimtosomeChristianpeoplewho，inacitywhichwasabywordfordepravityandlicentiousness，wereseekingthehigherlifeToseethepointofthewordswemusttakethemfromtheimmenselyimprovedrenderingoftheRevisedtranslation，fortheolderVersioninthiscasegreatlyobscuresthesense。
　　Theyarethese:
　　"Weall，withunveiledfacereflectingasamirrorthegloryoftheLord，aretransformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory，evenasfromtheLord，theSpirit。"
　　Nowobserveattheoutsettheentirecontractionofallourpreviousefforts，inthesimplepassive:"WEARETRANSFORMED。"
　　WeARECHANGED，astheOldVersionhasit——wedonotchangeourselvesNomancanchangehimselfThroughouttheNewTestamentyouwillfindthatwhereverthesemoralandspiritualtransformationsaredescribedtheverbsareinthepassivePresentlyitwillbepointedoutthatthereisaRATIONALEinthis；butmeantimedonottossthesewordsasideasifthispassivitydeniedallhumaneffortorignoredintelligiblelawWhatisimpliedforthesoulhereisnomorethaniseverywhereclaimedforthebodyInphysiologytheverbsdescribingtheprocessesofgrowthareinthepassive。
　　Growthisnotvoluntary；ittakesplace，ithappens，itiswroughtuponmatterSohere"Yemustbebornagain"——wecannotbebornourselves"Benotconformedtothisworld，butBEYETRANSFORMED"——wearesubjectstotransforminginfluence，wedonottransformourselves。
　　Notmorecertainisitthatitissomethingoutsidethethermometerthatproducesachangeinthethermometer，thatitisSomethingoutsidethesoulofmanthatproducesamoralchangeuponhimThathemustbesusceptibletothatchange，thathemustbeapartytoit，goeswithoutsaying；
　　butthatneitherhisaptitudenorhiswillcanproduceit，isequallycertain。
　　Obviousasitoughttoseem，thismaybetosomeanalmoststartlingrevelationThechangewehavebeenstrivingafterisnottobeproducedbyanymorestrivingItistobewroughtuponusbythemouldingofhandsbeyondourownAsthebranchascends，andthebudbursts，andthefruitreddensundertheco-operationofinfluencesfromtheoutsideair，somanrisestothehigherstatureunderinvisiblepressuresfromwithouttheradicaldefectofallourformermethodsofsanctificationwastheattempttogeneratefromwithinthatwhichcanonlybewroughtuponusfromwithout。
　　TheradicaldefectofallourformermethodsofsanctificationwastheattempttogeneratefromwithinthatwhichcanonlybewroughtuponusfromwithoutAccordingtothefirstLawofMotion，everybodycontinuesinitsstateofrest，orofuniformmotioninastraightline，exceptinsofarasitmaybecompelledBY
　　IMPRESSEDFORCEStochangethatstateThisisalsoafirstlawofChristianityEveryman'scharacterremainsasitis，orcontinuesinthedirectioninwhichitisgoing，untilitiscompelledBY
　　IMPRESSEDFORCEStochangethatstateOurfailurehasbeenthefailuretoputourselvesinthewayoftheimpressedforcesThereisaclay，andthereisaPotter；wehavetriedtogettheclaytomouldtheclay。
　　Whence，then，thesepressures，andwherethisPotter？Theansweroftheformulais——"ByreflectingasamirrorthegloryoftheLordwearechanged。"ButthisisnotveryclearWhatisthe"glory"
　　oftheLord，andhowcanmortalmanreflectit，andhowcanthatactasan"impressedforce"inmouldinghimtoanoblerform？Theword"glory"——thewordwhichhastobeartheweightofholdingthese"impressedforces"——isastrangerincurrentspeech，andourfirstdutyistoseekoutitsequivalentinworkingEnglishItsuggestsatfirstaradianceofsomekind，somethingdazzlingorglittering，somehalosuchastheoldmasterslovedtopaintroundtheheadoftheirEcceHomosButthatispaint，merematter，thevisiblesymbolofsomeunseenthingWhatisthatunseenthing？Itisthatofallunseenthingsthemostradiant，themostbeautiful，themostDivine，andthatisCHARACTEROnearth，inHeaven，thereisnothingsogreat，sogloriousasthisThewordhasmanymeanings；inethicsitcanhavebutoneGloryischaracter，andnothingless，anditcanbenothingmoreTheearthis"fullofthegloryoftheLord，"becauseitisfullofHischaracterThe"BeautyoftheLord"ischaracter"TheGloryoftheOnlyBegotten"ischaracter，thecharacterwhichis"fullnessofgraceandtruth。"AndwhenGodtoldHispeopleHISNAME，HesimplygavethemHischaracter，HischaracterwhichwasHimself:"AndtheLordproclaimedthenamefortheLord……theLord，theLordGod，mercifulandgracious，long-sufferingandabundantingoodnessandtruth。"
　　Glorythenisnotsomethingintangible，orghostly，ortranscendental。
　　Ifitwerethis，howcouldPaulaskmentoreflectit？StrippedofitsphysicalenswathementitisBeauty，moralandspiritualBeauty，Beautyinfinitelyreal，infinitelyexalted，yetinfinitelynearandinfinitelycommunicable。
　　Withthisexplanationreadoverthesentenceoncemoreinparaphrase:WeallreflectingasamirrorthecharacterofChristaretransformedintothesameImagefromcharactertocharacter——fromapoorcharactertoabetterone，fromabetteronetoalittlebetterstill，fromthattoonestillmorecomplete，untilbyslowdegreesthePerfectImageisattainedHereThesolutionoftheproblemofsanctificationiscompressedintoasentence:ReflectthecharacterofChrist。
　　Youwillbechanged，inspiteofyourselfandunknowntoyourself，intothesameimagefromcharactertocharacter。
　　I。Allmenarereflectors——thatisThefirstlawonwhichthisformulaisbasedOneoftheaptestdescriptionsofahumanbeingisthatheisamirrorAswesatattableto-nighttheworldinwhicheachofuslivedandmovedthroughthisdaywasfocusedintheroomWhatwesawwhenwelookedatoneanotherwasnotoneanother，butoneanother'sworldWewereanarrangementofmirrorsThesceneswesawwereallreproduced；thepeoplewemetwalkedtoandfro；theyspoke，theybowed，theypassedusby，dideverythingoveragainasifithadbeenrealWhenwetalked，wewerebutlookingatourownmirroranddescribingwhatflittedacrossit；ourlisteningwasnothearing，butseeing——webutlookedonourneighbor'smirror。
　　AllhumanintercourseisaseeingofreflectionsImeetastrangerinarailwaycarriageThecadenceofhisfirstwordstellmeheisEnglishandcomesfromYorkshireWithoutknowingithehasreflectedhisbirthplace，hisparents，andthelonghistoryoftheirraceEvenphysiologicallyheisamirrorHissecondsentencerecordsthatheisapolitician，andafaintreflectioninthewayhepronouncesTHETIMESrevealshispartyInhisnextremarksI
　　seereflectedawholeworldofexperiencesThebookshehasread，thepeoplehehasmet，thecompanionshekeeps，theinfluencesthathaveplayeduponhimandmadehimthemanheis——theseareallregisteredtherebyapenwhichletsnothingpass，andwhosewritingcanNeverbeblottedout。
　　WhatIamreadinginhimmeantimeheisalsoreadinginme；andbeforethejourneyisoverwecouldhalfwriteeachother'slives。
　　Whetherwelikeitornot，weliveinglasshousesThemind，thememory，thesoul，issimplyavastchamberpaneledwithlooking-glass。
　　Anduponthismiraculousarrangementandendowmentdependsthecapacityofmortalsoulsto"reflectthecharacteroftheLord。"
　　2ButthisisnotallIfallthesevariedreflectionsfromourso-calledsecretlifearepatenttotheworld，howclosethewriting，completetherecordwithinthesoulitself!FortheinfluenceswemeetarenotsimplyheldforamomentonthepolishedsurfaceandthrownoffagainintospaceEachisretainedwherefirstitfell，andstoredupinthesoulforever。
　　Thislawofassimilationisthesecond，andbyfarthemostimpressivetruthwhichunderliestheformulaofsanctification——thetruththatmenarenotonlymirrors，butthatthesemirrors，sofarfrombeingmerereflectorsofthefleetingthingstheysee，transferintotheirowninmostsubstance，andholdinpermanentpreservationthethingsthattheyreflect。
　　NooneknowshowthesoulcanholdthesethingsNooneknowshowthemiracleisdoneNophenomenoninnature，noprocessinchemistry，nochapterinnecromancycaneverhelpustobegintounderstandthisamazingoperationFor，thinkofit，thepastisnotonlyFOCUSEDthere，inaman'ssoul，itISthereHowcoulditbereflectedfromthereifitwerenotthere？Allthingsthathehaseverseen，known，felt，believedofthesurroundingworldarenowwithinhim，havebecomepartofhim，inpartarehim——hehasbeenchangedintotheirimageHemaydenyit，hemayresentit，buttheyarethereTheydonotadheretohim，theyaretransfusedthroughhimHecannotalterorrubthemoutTheyarenotinhismemory，theyareinHIMHissoulisastheyhavefilledit，madeit，leftitThesethings，thesebooks，theseevents，theseinfluencesarehismakersIntheirhandsarelifeanddeath，beautyanddeformityWhenoncetheimageorlikenessofanyoftheseisfairypresentedtothesoul，nopoweronearthcanhindertwothingshappening——itmustbeabsorbedintothesoulandforeverreflectedbackagainfromcharacter。
　　Upontheseastoundingyetperfectlyobviouspsychologicalfacts，PaulbaseshisdoctrineofsanctificationHeseesthatcharacterisathingbuiltupbyslowdegrees，thatitishourlychangingforbetterorforworseaccordingtotheimageswhichflitacrossitOnestepfurtherandthewholelengthandbreadthoftheapplicationoftheseideastothecentralproblemofreligionwillstandbeforeus。
　　IIThealchemyofinfluence。
　　Ifeventschangemen，muchmorepersonsNomancanmeetanotheronthestreetwithoutmakingsomemarkuponhimWesayweexchangewordswhenwemeet；whatweexchangeissoulsAndwhenintercourseisverycloseandveryfrequent，socompleteisthisexchangethatrecognizablebitsoftheonesoulbegintoshowintheother'snature，andthesecondisconsciousofasimilarandgrowingdebttothefirst。
　　Now，webecomelikethosewhomwehabituallyreflectIcouldprovefromsciencethatapplieseventothephysicalframeworkofanimals——thattheyareinfluencedandorganicallychangedbytheenvironmentinwhichtheylife。
　　Thismysteriousapproximatingoftwosouls，whohasnotwitnessed？
　　Whohasnotwatchedsomeoldcouplecomedownlife'spilgrimagehandinhand，withsuchgentletrustandjoyinoneanotherthattheirveryfacesworetheself-samelook？Thesewerenottwosouls；itwasacompositesoulItdidnotmattertowhichofthetwoyouspoke，youwouldhavesaidthesamewordstoeitherItwasquiteindifferentwhichreplied，eachwouldhavesaidthesame。
　　Halfacentury'sREFLECTINGhadtolduponthem；theywerechangedintothesameimageItistheLawofInfluencethatWEBECOME
　　LIKETHOSEWHOMWEHABITUALLYREFLECT:thesehadbecomelikebecausetheyhabituallyreflectedThroughalltherangeofliterature，ofhistory，andbiographythislawpresidesMenareallmosaicsofothermenTherewasasavorofDavidaboutJonathan，andasavorofJonathanaboutDavidMetempsychosisisafactGeorgeEliot'smessagetotheworldwasthatmenandwomenmakemenandwomenTheFamily，thecradleofmankind，hasnomeaningapartfromthisSocietyitselfisnothingbutarallyingpointfortheseomnipotentforcestodotheirworkOnthedoctrineofInfluence，inshort，thewholevastpyramidofhumanityisbuilt。
　　ButitwasreservedforPaultomakethesupremeapplicationoftheLawofInfluenceItwasatremendousinferencetomake，butheneverhesitatedHehimselfwasachangedman；heknewexactlywhathaddoneit；
　　ItwasChrist。
　　OntheDamascusroadtheymet，andfromthathourhislifewasabsorbedinHisTheeffectcouldnotbutfollow——onwords，ondeeds，oncareer，oncreedThe"impressedforces"didtheirvitalworkHebecamelikeHimWhomhehabituallyloved"Soweall，"
　　hewrites，"reflectingasamirrorthegloryofChrist，arechangedintothesameimage。"
　　Nothingcouldbemoresimple，moreintelligible，morenatural，moresupernaturalItisananalogyfromanevery-dayfactSincewearewhatwearebytheimpactsofthosewhosurroundus，thosewhosurroundthemselveswiththehighestwillbethosewhochangeintothehighestTherearesomemenandsomewomeninwhosecompanyweareAlwaysatourbest。
　　WhilewiththemwecannotthinkmeanthoughtsorspeakungenerouswordsTheirmerepresenceiselevation，purification，sanctity。
　　Allthebeststopsinournaturearedrawnoutbytheirintercourse，andwefindamusicinoursoulsthatwasnevertherebefore。
　　SupposeevenTHATinfluenceprolongedthroughamonth，ayear，alifetime，andwhatcouldnotlifebecome？There，evenonthecommonplaneoflife，talkingourlanguage，walkingourstreets，workingsidebyside，aresanctifiersofsouls；here，breathingthroughcommonclay，isHeaven；here，energieschargedeventhroughatemporalmediumwiththevirtueofregenerationIftolivewithmen，dilutedtothemillionthdegreewiththevirtueoftheHighest，canexaltandpurifythenature，whatboundscanbesettotheinfluenceofChrist？TolivewithSocrates——withunveiledface——musthavemadeonewise；withAristides，justFrancisAssisimusthavemadeonegentle；Savonarola，strongButtohavelivedwithChristmusthavemadeonelikeChrist:thatistosay，ACHRISTIAN。
　　Asamatteroffact，tolivewithChristdidproducethiseffect。
　　ItproduceditinthecaseofPaulAndduringChrist'slifetimetheexperimentwastriedinanevenmorestartlingformAfewraw，unspiritual，uninspiringmen，wereadmittedtotheinnercircleofHisfriendshipThechangebeganatonceDaybydaywecanalmostseethefirstdisciplegrowFirsttherestealsoverthemthefaintestpossibleadumbrationofHischaracter，andoccasionally，veryoccasionally，theydoathingorsayathingthattheycouldnothavedoneorsaidhadtheynotbeenlivingthereSlowlythespellofHisLifedeepensReachafterreachoftheirnatureisovertaken，thawed，subjugated，sanctifiedTheirmannersoftens，theirwordsbecomemoregentle，theirconductmoreunselfishAsswallowswhohavefoundasummer，asfrozenbudsthespring，theirstarvedhumanityburstsintoafullerlifeTheydonotknowhowitis，buttheyaredifferentmen。
　　OnedaytheyfindthemselvesliketheirMaster，goingaboutanddoinggoodTothemselvesitisunaccountable，buttheycannotdootherwisetheywerenottoldtodoit，itcametothemtodoitButthepeoplewhowatchthemknowwellhowtoaccountforit——"Theyhavebeen，"theywhisper，"withJesus。"Alreadyeven，themarkandsealofHischaracterisuponthem——"TheyhavebeenwithJesus。"Unparalleledphenomenon，thatthesepoorfishermenshouldremindothermenofChrist!StupendousvictoryandmysteryofRegenerationthatmortalmenshouldsuggestGODtotheworld!
　　Thereissomethingalmostmeltinginthewayhiscontemporaries，andJohnespecially，speakoftheinfluenceofChristJohnlivedhimselfindailywonderatHim；hewasoverpowered，over-awed，entranced，transfiguredTohisminditwasimpossibleforanyonetocomeunderthisinfluenceandeverbethesameagain"WhosoeverabidethinHimsinnethnot，"hesaidItwasinconceivablethatheshouldsin，asinconceivableasthaticeshouldliveinaburningsun，ordarknesscoexistwithnoonIfanyonedidsin，itwastoJohnthesimpleproofthathecouldneverhavemetChrist。
　　"Whosoeversinneth，"heexclaims，"hathnotseenHIM，neitherknownHIM。"SinwasabashedinthisPresenceItsrootwitheredItsswayandvictorywereforeveratanend。
　　ButthesewereHiscontemporariesItwaseasyforTHEMtobeinfluencedbyHim，fortheywereeverydayandallthedaytogether。
　　Buthowcanwemirrorthatwhichwehaveneverseen？HowcanallthisstupendousresultbeproducedbyaMemory，bythescantiestofallBiographies，byOnewholivedandleftthiseartheighteenhundredyearsago？Howcanmodernmento-daymakeChrist，theabsentChrist，theirmostconstantcompanionstill？
　　TheansweristhatFriendshipisaspiritualthing。
　　ItisindependentofMatter，orSpace，orTimeThatwhichI
　　loveinmyfriendisnotthatwhichIseeWhatinfluencesmeinmyfriendisnothisbodybuthisspiritHeinfluencesmeaboutasmuchinhisabsenceasinhispresenceItwouldhavebeenanineffableexperiencetrulytohavelivedatthattime——
　　"IthinkwhenIreadthesweetstoryofold，HowwhenJesuswashereamongmen，Hetooklittlechildrenlikelambstohisfold，IshouldliketohavebeenwithHimthen。
　　"IwishthatHishandhadbeenlaidonmyhead，ThatHisarmshadbeenthrownaroundme，AndthatIhadseenHiskindlookwhenhesaid，'Letthelittleonescomeuntome。'"
　　Andyet，ifChristweretocomeintotheworldagain，fewofusprobablywouldeverhaveachanceofseeingHimMillionsofhersubjectsinthelittlecountryofEnglandhaveneverseentheirownQueenAndtherewouldbemillionsofthesubjectsofChristwhocouldnevergetwithinspeakingdistanceofHimifHewerehereWerememberHesaid:"ItisexpedientforyounotFORME
　　thatIgoaway"；becausebygoingawayHecouldreallybenearertousthanHewouldhavebeenifHehadstayedhereItwouldbegeographicallyandphysicallyimpossibleformostofustobeinfluencedbyHispersonhadHeremainedAndsoourcommunionwithHimisaspiritualcompanionship；butnotdifferentfrommostcompanionships，which，whenyoupressthemdowntotheroots，youwillfindtobeessentiallyspiritual。
　　Allfriendship，alllove，humanandDivine，ispurelyspiritual。
　　ItwasafterHewasrisenthatHeinfluencedeventhedisciplesmostHence，inreflectingthecharacterofChrist，itisnorealobstaclethatwemayneverhavebeeninvisiblecontactwithHimself。
　　TherelivedonceayounggirlwhoseperfectgraceofcharacterwasthewonderofthosewhoknewherSheworeonherneckagoldlocketwhichnoonewaseverallowedtoopenOneday，inamomentofunusualconfidence，oneofhercompanionswasallowedtotouchitsspringandlearnitssecretShesawwrittenthesewords——
　　"WhomhavingnotseenIlove。"
　　ThatwasthesecretofherbeautifullifeShehadbeenchangedintotheSameImage。
　　Nowthisisnotimitation，butamuchdeeperthingMarkthisdistinction，forthedifferenceintheprocessaswellasintheresult，maybeasgreatasthatbetweenaphotographsecuredbytheinfalliblepencilofthesun，andtherudeoutlinefromaschool-boy'schalkImitationismechanical，reflectionorganic。
　　Theoneisoccasional，theotherhabitualIntheonecase，mancomestoGodandimitateshim；intheother，GodcomestomanandimprintsHimselfuponhimItisquitetruethatthereisanimitationofChristwhichamountstoreflectionButPaul'stermincludesallthattheotherholds，andisopentonomistake。
　　What，then，isthepracticallesson？Itisobvious"MakeChristyourmostconstantcompanion"——thisiswhatitpracticallymeansforusBemoreunderHisinfluencesthanunderanyotherinfluence。
　　TenminutesspentinHissocietyeveryday，ay，twominutesifitbefacetoface，andhearttoheart，willmakethewholedaydifferentEverycharacterhasaninwardspring，——letChristbeitEveryactionhasakey-note，——letChristsetit。
　　YesterdayyougotacertainletterYousatdownandwroteareplywhichalmostscorchedthepaperYoupickedthecruelestadjectivesyouknewandsentitforth，withoutapangtodoitsruthlesswork。
　　YoudidthatbecauseyourlifewassetinthewrongkeyYoubeganthedaywiththemirrorplacedatthewrongangle。
　　Tomorrowatday-break，turnittowardsHim，andeventoyourenemythefashionofyourcountenancewillbechangedWhateveryouthendo，onethingyouwillfindyoucouldnotdo——youcouldnotwritethatletterYourfirstimpulsemaybethesame，yourjudgementmaybeunchanged，butifyoutryittheinkwilldryonyourpen，andyouwillrisefromyourdeskanunavenged，butgreaterandmoreChristianmanThroughoutthewholedayyouractions，downtothelastdetail，willdohomagetothatearlyvision。
　　YesterdayyouthoughtmostlyaboutyourselfTodaythepoorwillmeetyou，andyouwillfeedthemThehelpless，thetempted，thesad，willthrongaboutyou，andeachyouwillbefriendWherewereallthesepeopleyesterday？Wheretheyaretoday，butyoudidnotseethemItisinreflectedlightthatthepoorareseenButyoursoultodayisNotattheordinaryangle。
　　"Thingswhicharenotseen"arevisibleForafewshorthoursyoulivetheEternalLifeTheeternallife，thelifeoffaith，issimplythelifeofahighervisionFaithisanattitude——amirrorsetattherightangle。
　　Whentomorrowisover，andintheeveningyoureviewit，youwillwonderhowyoudiditYouwillnotbeconsciousthatyoustroveforanything，orimitatedanything，orcrucifiedanythingYouwillbeconsciousofChrist；thatHewaswithyou，thatwithoutcompulsionyouwereyetcompelled；thatwithoutforce，ornoise，orproclamation，therevolutionwasaccomplishedYoudonotcongratulateyourselfasonewhohasdoneamightydeed，orachievedapersonalsuccess，orstoredupafundof"Christianexperience"
　　toensurethesameresultagainWhatyouareconsciousofis"thegloryoftheLord。"Andwhattheworldisconsciousof，iftheresultbeatrueone，isalso"thegloryoftheLord。"Inlookingatamirroronedoesnotseethemirror，orthinkofit，butonlyofwhatitreflectsForamirrornevercallstheattentiontoitself——exceptwhenthereareflawsinit。
　　Letmesayawordortwomoreabouttheeffectswhichnecessarilymustfollowfromthiscontact，orfellowship，withChristI
　　neednotquotethetextsuponthesubject——thetextsaboutabidinginChrist"HethatabidethinHimsinnethnot。"YoucannotsinwhenyouarestandinginfrontofChristYousimplycannotdoit。
　　Again:"IfyeabideinMe，andMywordsabideinyou，yeshallaskwhatyewill，anditshallbedoneuntoyou。"Thinkofthat!
　　ThatisanotherinevitableconsequenceAndthereisyetanother:
　　"HethatabidethinMe，thesamebringethforthmuchfruit。"
　　Sinlessness——answeredprayer——muchfruit。
　　Butinadditiontothesethings，seehowmanyofthehighestChristianvirtuesandexperiencesnecessarilyflowfromtheassumptionofthatattitudetowardsChristForinstance，themomentyouassumethatrelationtoChristyoubegintoknowwhattheCHILD-SPIRIT
　　isYoustandbeforeChrist，andHebecomesyourTeacher，andyouinstinctivelybecomedocileThenyoulearnalsotobecomeCHARITABLEandTOLERANT；becauseyouarelearningofHim，andHeis"meekandlowlyinheart，"andyoucatchthatspiritThatisabitofHischaracterbeingreflectedintoyoursInsteadofbeingcriticalandself-asserting，youbecomehumbleandhavethemindofalittlechild。
　　Ithink，further，theonlywayoflearningwhatFAITHisistoknowChristandbeinHiscompanyYouhearsermonsabouttheninedifferentkindsoffaith——distinctionsdrawnbetweentherightkindoffaithandthewrong——andsermonstellingyouhowtogetfaithSofarasIcansee，thereisOnlyonewayinwhichfaithisgot，anditisthesameinthereligiousworldasitisintheworldofmenandwomenIlearntotrustyou，mybrother，justasIgettotrustmejustasyougettoknowmeI
　　donottrustyouasastranger，butasIcomeintocontactwithyou，andwatchyou，andlivewithyou，Ifindoutthatyouaretrustworthy，andIcometotrustmyselftoyou，andtoleanuponyouButIdonotdothattoastranger。
　　ThewaytotrustChrististoknowChristYoucannothelptrustingHimthemYouarechangedByknowingHimfaithisbegotteninyou，ascauseandeffectTotrustHimwithoutknowingHimasthousandsdo，isnotfaith，butcredulityIbelieveagreatdealofprayerforfaithisthrownawayWhatweshouldprayforisthatwemaybeabletofulfillthecondition，andwhenwehavefulfilledthecondition，thefaithnecessarilyfollowsTheway，therefore，toincreaseourfaithistoincreaseourintimacywithChristWetrustHimmoreandmorethebetterweknowHim。
　　AndthenanotherimmediateeffectofthiswayofsanctifyingthecharacteristhetranquilitythatitbringsovertheChristianlifeHowdisturbedanddistressedandanxiousChristianpeopleareabouttheirgrowthingrace!Now，themomentyougivethatoverintoChrist'scare——themomentyouseethatyouareBEING
　　changed——thatanxietypassesawayYouseethatitmustfollowbyaninevitableprocessandbyanaturallawifyoufulfillthesimplecondition；sothatpeaceistherewardofthatlifeandfellowshipwithChrist。
　　ManyotherthingsfollowAman'susefulnessdependstoalargeextentuponhisfellowshipwithChristThatisobviousOnlyChristcaninfluencetheworld；butallthattheworldseesofChristiswhatitseesofyouandmeChristsaid:"TheworldseethMenomore，butyeseeMe。"YouseeHim，andstandinginfrontofHimreflectHim，andtheworldseesthereflectionItcannotseeHim。
　　SothataChristian'susefulnessdependssolelyuponthatrelationship。
　　Now，IhaveonlypointedoutafewofthethingsthatfollowfromthestandingbeforeChrist——fromtheabidinginChristYouwillfind，ifyourunoverthetextsaboutabidinginChrist，manyotherthingswillsuggestthemselvesinthesamerelationsAlmosteverythinginChristianexperienceandcharacterfollowsandfollowsnecessarily，fromstandingbeforeChristandreflectinghischaracterButthesupremeconsummationisthatwearechangedintoTHESAMEIMAGE，"evenasbytheLordtheSpirit。"Thatistosaythatinsomeway，unknowntous，butpossiblynotmoremysteriousthanthedoctrineofpersonalinfluence，wearechangedintotheimageofChrist。
　　ThismethodcannotfailIamnotsettingbeforeyouanopinionoratheory，butthisisAcertainlysuccessfulmeansofsanctification"Weall，withunveiledface，reflectinginamirrorthegloryofChristthecharacterofChristassuredly——withoutanymiscarriage——withoutanypossibilityofmiscarriage——arechangedintothesameimage。"ItisanimmensethingtobeanchoredinsomegreatprinciplelikethatEmersonsays:"Theheroisthemanwhoisimmovablycentered。"GetimmovablycenteredinthatdoctrineofsanctificationDonotbecarriedawaybythehundredandonetheoriesofsanctificationthatarefloatingaboutinreligiousliteratureofthecountryatthepresenttime；butgotothebottomofthethingforyourself，andseetheRATIONALEofitforyourself，andyouwillcometoseethatitisamatterofcauseandeffect，andthatifyouwillfulfilltheconditionlaiddownbyChrist，theeffectmustfollowbyanaturallaw。
　　Whataprospect!TobechangedintothesameimageThinkofthat!ThatiswhatwearehereforThatiswhatweareelectedforNottobesaved，inthecommonacceptation，but"whomHedidforeknowHealsodidpredestinatetobeconformedtotheimageofHisSon。"Notmerelytobesaved，butTOBECONFORMEDTOTHEIMAGE
　　OFHISSONConservethatprincipleAndaswemustspendtimeincultivatingourearthlyfriendshipsifwearetohavetheirblessings，sowemustSpendtimeincultivatingthefellowshipandcompanionshipofChristAndthereisnothingsomuchworthtakingintoourlivesasaprofoundersenseofwhatistobehadbylivingincommunionwithChrist，andbygettingnearertoHimItwillmattermuchifwetakeawaywithussomeofthethoughtsabouttheology，andsomeofthenewlightthathasbeensheduponthetextofScripture；itwillmatterinfinitelymoreifourfellowshipwiththeLordJesusbecomealittlecloser，andourtheoryofholylivingalittlemorerationalAndthenaswegoforth，menwilltakeknowledgeofus，thatwehavebeenwithJesus，andaswereflectHimuponthem，theywillbegintobechangedintothesameimage。
　　ItseemstomethepreachingisofinfinitelysmalleraccountthanthelifewhichmirrorsChristThatisboundtotell；withoutspeechorlanguage——likethevoicesofthestarsItthrowsoutitsimpressionsoneverysideTheonesimplethingwehavetodoistobethere——intherightrelation；togothroughlifehandinhandwithHim；tohaveHimintheroomwithus，andkeepinguscompanywhereverwego；todependuponHimandleanuponHim，andsohaveHislifereflectedinthefullnessofitsbeautyandperfectionintoours。
　　IIIThefirstexperiment。
　　ThenyoureducereligiontoacommonFriendship？AcommonFriendship——whotalksofaCOMMONFriendship？Thereisnosuchthingintheworld。
　　OnearthnowordismoresublimeFriendshipisthenearestthingweknowtowhatreligionisGodisloveAndtomakereligionakintoFriendshipissimplytogiveitthehighestexpressionconceivablebymanButifbydemurringto"acommonfriendship"ismeantaprotestagainstthegreatestandtheholiestinreligionbeingspokenofinintelligibleterms，thenIamafraidtheobjectionisalltorealMenalwayslookforamysterywhenonetalksofsanctification，somemysteryapartfromthatwhichmusteverbemysteriouswhereverSpiritworksItisthoughtsomepeculiarsecretliesbehindit，someoccultexperiencewhichonlytheinitiatedknowThousandsofpersonsgotochurcheverySundayhopingtosolvethismysteryAtmeeting，atconferences，manyatimetheyhavereachedwhattheythoughtwastheverybrinkofit，butsomehownofurtherrevelationcamePoringoverreligiousbooks，howoftenweretheynotwithinaparagraphofit；thenextpage，thenextsentence，woulddiscoverall，andtheywouldbeborneonaflowingtideforeverButnothinghappenedThenextsentenceandthenextpagewereread，andstilliteludedthem；
　　andthoughthepromiseofitscomingkeptfaithfullyuptotheend，thelastchapterfoundthemstillpursuing。
　　Whydidnothinghappen？Becausetherewasnothingtohappen——nothingofthekindtheywerelookingforWhydiditeludethem？Becausetherewasno"it。"WhenshallwelearnthatthepursuitofholinessissimplyThepursuitofChrist？
　　Whenshallwesubstituteforthe"it"ofafictitiousaspiration，theapproachtoaLivingFriend？Sanctityisincharacterandnotinmoods；Divinityinourownplaincalmhumanity，andinnomysticraptureofthesoul。
　　Andyetthereareotherswho，forexactlyacontraryreason，willfindscantsatisfactionhereTheircomplaintisnotthatareligionexpressedintermsofFriendshipistoohomely，butthatitisstilltoomysticalTo"abide"inChrist，to"makeChristourmostconstantcompanion，"istothemthepurestmysticismTheywantsomethingabsolutelytangibleandabsolutelydirectThesearenotthepoeticalsoulswhoseekasign，amysticisminexcess，buttheprosaicnatureswhosewantismathematicaldefinitionindetailsYetitisperhapsnotpossibletoreducethisproblemtomuchmorerigidelementsThebeautyofFriendshipisitsinfinity。