(adapted from Spurgeon's sermon, "Method and Music, or
 The Art of Holy and Happy Living" #913. Colossians 3:17.

We should do all under the sanction of the
Lord Jesus as our example. It is an admirable
course for us all to pursue, if when we find
ourselves in circumstances of perplexity we ask
ourselves the question, "What would Jesus
have done if He were in my circumstances?"
The answer to that question is the solution of
your difficulty. Whatever He would have done
it will be safe enough for you to do.

Alas! my brethren, the current holiness of the
church falls far below the scriptural standard!

The royal rule for a Christian is not what is fashionable,
for we are not to be conformed to this world; nor what
is gainful, for the pursuit of gain would lead us to run
greedily in the way of Balaam for reward; nor that which
is generally prescribed in society, for full often the
prescriptions of society are antagonistic to the teachings
of Christ; nor even the conduct of professors is such
as we could safely follow.

A safe example is to be found nowhere but in
the life of Jesus Christ Himself!  Even the holiest
of men are only to be followed so far as  they
follow Christ, but no further.

My brethren, how calm will your hearts be, how serenely
will you face your afflictions if you can feel, "I have done
nothing but what my Master did before me; I have sought
to tread in the footprints of His pilgrimage!"