How many nice people there are in the world; so kind, loving, generous, so upright and honest; thinking nothing they do a trouble, if they can in any way give others a helping hand, willing to spend and be spent, full of sympathy and practical' philanthropy, loved and admired by all who know them, temper and temperament finely adjusted, perfect characters, charming in every way; but just wanting one thing, and that, the vital thing, Christ.
It is morality, without conversion, amiability of the flesh alone; beauty of character, untouched by the beauty of holiness; good citizens of the world, but not soldiers of Jesus Christ; excellent members of society, but not members of His Body.
Just like some beautiful picture or charming piece of sculpture; every feature and line perfectly brought, out; people gather round and are never tired of gazing at it, such wondrous beauty, but it has no life, and is only painted canvas or chiseled marble, cold and irresponsible to all life and power.