“The real Christian will not want a name or a reputation which he does not by right of goodness or talent deserve; but by living well where he may be, he makes any duty, any position, honorable and good.  He has nothing to do with the false; he can afford to seem in all things what he is, and to depend for love and favor on his consciousness of worth.”

“But, mother, I never thought of depending upon anything else.  The Wilsons know that I am their equal in the school room, and in all the qualities which they ought to respect.”

“You remember we spoke of a right of choice on their part; and now are you, a Christian, going to be hurt because fashionable people do not court you?  Can you not yet think of a way to bear the vexation?  Is it, indeed, so much of a trial, as you think it all over?

“You know, little daughter, that Christians can look at these things only in the light the Christ-life sheds on their souls, on all their earthly relations, on the path that leads them up to the Source of light, truth and right.  Think of it, and tell me to-morrow if you can bear to be slighted by the Wilsons.”

[Illustration:  "Well, Anna, have you come to a conclusion?"]

* * * * *

“Well, Anna,” said Mrs. Jones the next day, “have you come to a conclusion?”

“Really, mother,” said Anna, “you have a great way of taking the sting out of uncomfortable things.  I wonder if I shall ever get so as not to care for my own sake.”

“That will depend upon how closely you are united to God.  If you live the true Christ-life, nothing of the sort will hurt you much; the consciousness of being right, the joy of His approval, will suffice you.  But what about the Wilsons?”

“Why, mother, nothing about them; I don’t think I shall feel bad any more.  If they do not care for me, I shall not for them, only to be kind and polite; and I am sure I want no one’s favor who does not love me for just what I am, and for trying to become better than I am.  I shall go to school very happy to-day.”

“I am truly glad, Anna; but always remember this:  Every soul is created by the same God—­purchased by the blood of the same Saviour, and has an individual life as dear to God as any other life.

“The Christian is peculiarly precious to Him, and however humble in this world’s estimate, is an heir to His eternal glory and happiness; and so the Christian should, whatever may be his gifts or calling, possess that quietness and dignity of spirit, that, resting in the consciousness of God’s love and approval, he will not be greatly moved by the applause or the displeasure of his fellows.”

“And so, mother, it saves a great many uncomfortable feelings to be a Christian.”

“It saves a great amount of disappointed pride and wounded vanity, gives many a sweet night’s sleep in thinking God will take care of our reputation, being willing to be what and where He will have us to be.