March 25

Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8.

Our time is fast losing its sensitiveness to the strict demands of purity. Young and old are given to filthy jesting, levity, and lust. The close association of sexes in modern life has in large part removed the veil of female modesty and shaken the foundations of chastity. Recreations which excite the sex impulse into action are openly defended, and indulged in, without compunction.

How shall the young under such conditions secure their hearts and retain their innocency? The inner and impregnable line of their defense must be the fear of God. "I keep under my body and bring it into subjection," says Paul. "Abstain from fleshly

lusts, which war against the soul," the meaning of which is: The evil desires hurt the soul by hushing prayer and strangling the spiritual life within a Christian. Thus sin, left to itself, works death. Therefore God voices His will in words of fire and thunder on stony tables, saying: "Thou shalt not commit adultery," which means that we are to lead a chaste and decent life in word and deed and that we are to curb, guard, and control the sinful desires of our flesh.

Recall to mind the example of Joseph in Potiphar's house. Carried away by an evil impulse, the captain's wife eagerly besought him to gratify her impure passion. Now, Joseph was not a perfect saint, but his heart was just as sinful as ours. And he lived in circumstances which made it difficult for him to remain pure, but easy to sin. Yet he was instantly conscious that God was everywhere and would surely see the evil deed and be much grieved by it. "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" was his answer. Joseph knew the will of God, and would accept no other standard of right and wrong. Faith and childlike fear of God and willingness to obey His Word gave him power to overcome the world, to quench the evil desires of his sinful heart, and to gain the victory over sin. It is God who gives strength to the weak. He does it through the means of His Word and Sacrament.

Prayer.

O Thou holy and merciful God, heavenly Father, graciously grant, I pray Thee, that I may begin a new, a truly Christian life, pleasing to Thee and to all the angels in heaven. For the coming days I commit myself to Thy gracious protection that I may not only rest and sleep in safety and rise refreshed and in good health, but also be intent on furthering Thy honor. Let me endure in my faith. O Lord, of myself I cannot remain steadfast; if I lose courage to fight, if I lay down my arms, the battle is lost. Give me strength to endure unto the end and be saved. Lord Jesus, I am Thine, and Thou art mine; my soul yearneth to be with Thee. Amen.

Planteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin; Let the healing streams abound, Make and keep me pure within.---