Observe the holy virtues

(John Angell James, "Elizabeth Bales--a Pattern
for Sunday School Teachers & Tract Distributors")

"In all things see that you are an example of good
 works--holy in your teaching, serious in behavior."
    (Titus 2:7)

Never was there . . .
  a more pure and sincere creature;
  a more dutiful daughter;
  a more harmless and inoffensive being,
than she was! And yet how did she confess
and bewail her sinfulness in the sight of God;
how entirely did she renounce all dependence
upon her own good doings, and how exclusively
did she rely upon the righteousness of Christ!

Observe the holy virtues which clustered
in her character . . .
  how profound was her humility
  how gentle her demeanor,
  how striking her meekness,
  how uncomplaining her submission,
  how exemplary her patience,
  how exquisite her benevolence,
  how ardent her zeal,
  how tender her attachments,
  how intense her piety!

And, to crown all, how unmixed was all
this with any spiritual pride, or any sense
of superiority, or any sanctimonious airs.
How much is there for all of us to learn and
to copy! Be stimulated, encouraged and
guided by the example of Elizabeth Bales!

"You should be an example to the believers in
 speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
    (1 Timothy 4:12)