Those on whom the fire fell on the day of Pentecost
became new men. There was a new life in their souls, a new ardor, a
new enthusiasm. They were on fire with love for Christ. They entered
upon a service in which all their energies flamed.
The living sacrifice includes all the life,--not what it is now only,
but all that it may become. Life is not a diamond, but a seed, with
possibilities of endless growth. Dr. Lyman Abbott has used this
illustration: "I pluck an acorn from the greensward, and hold it to my
ear; and this is what it says to me: 'By and by the birds will come and
nest in me. By and by I will furnish shade for the cattle. By and by
I will provide warmth for the home in the pleasant fire. By and by I
will be shelter from the storm to those who have gone under the roof.
By and by I will be the strong ribs of the great vessel, and the
tempest will beat against me in vain, while I carry men across the
Atlantic.' 'O foolish little acorn, wilt thou be all this?' I ask.
And the acorn answers, 'Yes; God and I.'"
I look into the faces of a company of children, and I hear a whisper,
saying: "By and by I will be a great blessing to many. By and by other
lives will come and find nest and home in me. By and by the weary will
sit in the shadow of my strength. By and by I will sit as comforter in
a home of sorrow. By and by I will speak the words of Christ's
salvation in ears of lost ones.
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