Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/359

 But there is left unto us a very small remnant:—

Virtue will yet extort homage from vice, innocence draw tears from hardened guilt, and integrity put to shame suspicion and deceit. The whole secret lies in the proper application of love; overcoming evil with good is the only effectual method of reformation. We often perform good works from wrong motives, or through an indiscreet zeal, which, like a false prophet, appears to be an innocent lamb, but is in reality a ravening wolf. But let the hard heart of man be wrought upon by pure and genuine love, and though for a time its softening influence may be resisted, it will at length fall upon the small remnant, and may be instrumental in hastening the soul to escape from Sodom, that it be not consumed.

Let us examine ourselves strictly, and give to these remains the softening influence of contrition and repentance; let us strive to remove the foulness of pollution from our own souls, looking to the Lord for aid; let us shun every evil as a sin against him; and when we are ourselves converted, let us turn to the assistance of others, and, according to our ability, strengthen our brethren.