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When one is thirsty it matters little whether the water is offered in a common earthen cup or in a golden pitcher. When one is very hungry and you carry him bread, he does not care whether you take it on a silver plate or on a wooden tray. So the grace of Christ may be carried just as well in the heart of a plain fisherman as in that of a learned rabbi; but the vessel must be clean. Christ will not send the blessing of eternal life to lost men through unholy lives. He will not honor us by putting us in trust with the gospel if our own hearts are unclean and impure.
He who would be a winner of souls must know what it is to repent of sin and put it away at whatever cost or sacrifice. He must have turned his own feet away from evil paths before he can convert others from the error of their ways. He must have begun to walk in godly ways before he can turn others to righteousness. Only holy lives can win the unholy to holiness and heavenliness. The hands that are given to Christ must not do sinful things after engaging in his holy work. The lips that speak his name must not speak wrong words. The feet that run his errands today must not walk in the paths of evil tomorrow. The heart that throbs with love at his table must not afterward be thrilled with feelings of passion and hate. If we would be vessels meet for the Master’s use we must have clean hands and pure hearts.