"
John explained what was meant by the rags and the change of
raiment.
"And the mark in his forehead?" said Ellen.
"That is the mark of God's children — the change wrought in
them by the Holy Spirit — the change that makes them different
from others, and different from their old selves."
"Do all Christians have it?"
"Certainly. None can be a Christian without it."
"But how can one tell whether one has it or no?" said Ellen,
very gravely.
"Carry your heart and life to the Bible, and see how they
agree. The Bible gives a great many signs and descriptions, by
which Christians may know themselves — know both what they are
and what they ought to be. If you find your own feelings and
manner of life at one with these Bible words, you may hope
that the Holy Spirit has changed you, and set his mark upon
you."
"I wish you would tell me of one of those places," said Ellen.
"The Bible is full of them. 'To them that believe _Christ is
precious_,' — there is one. 'If ye love me, _keep my
commandments;_' — 'He that saith he abideth in him, ought
himself also _so to walk even as he walked_' — 'O how _love I thy
law!_' The Bible is full of them, Ellie; but you have need to
ask for great help when you go to try yourself by them; the
heart is deceitful."
Ellen looked sober all the rest of the evening, and the next
day she pondered the matter a good deal.
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