And the Lord's Supper also is a sign to us that, as human beings, we
are risen with Christ, to a new life. A new life is our birthright.
We have a right to live a new life. We have a duty to live a new
life. We have a power, if we will, to live a new life; such a life
as we never could live if we were left to ourselves; a noble, just,
godly, manful, Christlike, Godlike life, bred and nourished in us by
the Spirit of Christ. That is our right; for we belong to Him who
lived that life Himself, and bought us our share in it with His own
death and resurrection. That is our duty; for if we share the Lord's
blessings, it can only be in order that we may become like the Lord.
Do you fancy that He died to leave us all no better than we are? His
death would have had very little effect if that was all. No, says
St. Paul; if you have a share in Christ, prove that you believe in
your own share by becoming like Christ. You belong to His kingdom,
and you must live as His subjects. He has bought for you a new and
eternal life, and you must use that life. "If ye then be risen with
Christ, seek those things that are above." . . . And what are they?
Love, peace, gentleness, mercy, pity, truth, faithfulness, justice,
patience, courage, order, industry, duty, obedience.
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