Say not in thy heart, “I am a soldier, and the barrack-room cannot minister to piety therefore I may live as I list because I cannot live as I should.” Say not, “I am a working man in the midst of those who blaspheme, and therefore it were vain for me to talk of holiness and piety.” Nay, rather remember that in such a case it is thy duty specially not to talk of these precious things, but to wear them about thee as thy daily ornament. If thy heart be right, the situation may be difficult, but the difficulty is to be overcome ay, and out of that difficulty shall arise an excellence which thou hadst not otherwise known. It is not the place which is to blame, but the man. Why should it not be so still, that God should have even in Sardis a few that have not defiled their garments, who shall walk with Christ in white, for they are worthy? Let no man think that because of his position in society he cannot excel in virtue. The best of pearls have been found in the darkest caves of ocean. Here was a Gentile, a Roman, a soldier - a soldier clothed with absolute power - and yet a tender master, a considerate citizen, a lover of God! Let no man, therefore, be despised because of his calling, and let not the proverb, “Can any good come out of Nazareth?” be ever heard from the wise man’s lips. We may find the choicest flowers blooming where we least expected them. THE greatest light may enter into the darkest places. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth and to another, Come, and he cometh and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” - Luke 7:6-8. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.
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