The Leopard

Its color is a clear, handsome yellow, spotted with black; the spots are found in little groups,two, or three, or four together, and the skin is very smooth and shining. There is such a greatdifference between the color of the spots and the rest of the skin, that you would think it a verycurious looking animal. The 23d verse of the 12th chapter of Jeremiah is this: "Can theEthiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good that areaccustomed to do evil." It would be no easy thing to wash away the leopard's black spots; indeednothing but God's power could do it. So it is not easy to do right when we have been used to dowrong, and have loved to do it: this is why we need to pray that God will "create a clean heartand renew a right spirit within" us. Should we not be careful about every sinful habit?Remember, dear child, that such a habit in you may become fixed, almost like the leopard'sspots; and pray God to help you love every thing that is "pure, and lovely, and of good report."

What a peaceful and happy time that will be, when Jesus our Savior shall reign in all theearth-when all men shall love him and each other-when "the leopard (fierce and cruel as it isnow) shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and alittle child shall lead them." That bright day is coming; and if you love Christ, even you-achild-can do something to prepare for it.

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