Produced by Al Haines. PLAIN WORDS FOR CHRIST, BEING A SERIES OF READINGS FOR WORKING MEN. BY THE LATE REGINALD G. DUTTON, M.A. _Curate of St. Martin’s, in the Fields._ "Lord, as to Thy dear cross we flee, And hope to be forgiven-- So let Thy life our pattern be, And form our souls for heaven." _John Hampden Gurney._ PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE TRACT COMMITTEE, LONDON: SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, CHARING CROSS, W.C.; 43, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, E.C.; BRIGHTON: 135, NORTH STREET. NEW YORK: E. & J. B. YOUNG & CO. 1880 Dedicated TO THE WORKING MEN OF ENGLAND: AMONGST WHOM I CAN NUMBER MANY FIRM FRIENDS. *PREFACE.* As the following pages are addressed to working men, I have touched only on those topics upon which I thought they were likely to need advice. The language throughout is as simple as possible, so that all may understand it; and, following the example of Holy Scripture, I have, wherever I have found it possible, illustrated my meaning from the teachings of nature. That the book has many imperfections I am well aware; but I humbly trust that He, Whose guidance I have so often and so earnestly sought in writing the following pages, will be pleased in His mercy to grant that the words here written for His cause, and for His people, may "not return unto Him void," but may "accomplish that which" He shall please, and may prosper in the thing whereto He sends it. R.G.D. HINTON HOUSE, 1880. *CONTENTS.* Life My Birthday Temptation Drink Idle Words Excuses Poverty Out of Work Discontent "I want to better myself" Masters and Men Forgiveness of Others Hard Work Courtship Marriage Kindness Our Parents Our Children Home Heaven our Home. (Part I.) Heaven our Home. (Part II.) Sunday Church Holy Communion. (Part I.) Holy Communion. (Part II.) The Bible The Holy Spirit God’s Ministers Prayer On being alone On Setting a Good Example Helping Others Our Companions The Books we Read True Manliness Honesty Bearing the Cross Humility Martyrdom Repentance Faith The Shortness of Life The Death of Friends The Fear of Death Sorrow and Suffering Death Last Words *LIFE.* "He liveth long who liveth well! All other life is short and vain; He liveth longest who can tell Of living most for heavenly gain." _Bonar._