October 31

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14.

The sun shines by his own inherent light, the moon by means of borrowed light. In itself a dark body, the moon shines only because the light of the sun falls upon it and is reflected from it. So man, in and of himself, is not a light; he is darkness.

How can man get light, true heavenly light? To have light, light in the hour of death, light unto eternal life, you must seek and embrace Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, as your Redeemer, your Savior, your Righteousness. You must recognize Him as the Ransom and Propitiation for your sins, as the Wisdom of God and the Way to the Father. Here you see in what sense Christians are the light of the world. They have their light from Christ.

Now, for what purpose did Christ give Christians His light? He says: "Let your light shine before men." They should give light to the world. "A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." A man cannot be a Christian secretly, without ever showing it or letting any one know it. It is a delusion if a man thinks he might be a Christian for himself and need not join the church or make a public confession of his faith. The Lord says: "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." A candle, or lamp, under a bushel would be of no advantage to any one. A light locked up in a cupboard would leave the house in darkness. We Christians are meant to be lights that can be seen. A city on a hill can easily be seen from all sides, so that a traveler can

readily find it. Thus the City of God, that is, the Christian Church, should by word and work be known in the world, so that all can wend their way towards it, enter its gates, and find shelter, safety, and salvation there. And Jesus says of the Christians: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works." Then also others will come, believe in Christ, and thereby glorify our Father in heaven.

Prayer.

O dearest Jesus, let mine eyes ever be directed towards Thee, Thou welcome Light of the world, and see in Thee their only joy. Kindle within me the light of the knowledge of Thy holy will and an unshakable confidence in Thy precious merits; and grant that I may cause this light to shine forth before men by my good works. Let me, O dearest Savior, confess Thy name before the world, be an example to my fellow-men, and lead a truly Christian life in word and deed, in peace and unity, in humility and meekness, and ever praise Thee. Amen.

Lord, I will tell, while I am living, Thy goodness forth with every breath And greet each morning with thanksgiving Until my heart is still in death; Yea, when at last my lips grow cold, Thy praise shall in my sighs be told.