March 26

Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth." These are the words of aged King Solomon. They contain an admonition for young people to enjoy the splendid time of their youth. For how many understand how to make the very best of their youth? It is God's will that young people rejoice in the days of their youth. Those clear, bright eyes that God has given to young people are to sparkle with happiness and joy.

"But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into Judgment." Does this addition of aged Solomon seem cruel to you, that for all our amusements God will bring us into Judgment? Why? Let us see. Take, for instance, the modern theater. What is it? It is largely given up to wretched, sensational plays. Scenes exhibiting grossest indecency and impurity are enacted there, suggestive of all imaginable uncleanness. You know that every theater is more or less given up to plays whose atmosphere is tainted and vicious, plays to which no modest man should take a modest woman, plays which are an assault upon all that the family circle holds most holy and sacred. Or take the modern dance. The sensuality of the modern dance makes bold-eyed women of soft-eyed maidens; it makes swaggering rakes of pure lads; it changes love to flirting and to a game of flippant shrewdness. Women of virtue and self-respect will blush to have the dance named to them. Strange that young ladies will allow gentlemen to assume positions and take liberties in the public dance that would not be allowed in their parlors. "But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into Judgment!"

How should you, then, test amusements? Ask if they draw you nearer to Christ or remove you farther from Him; if they increase or diminish respect for Christian manhood and womanhood; if they increase or lessen love for virtue and purity; if they make resistance to temptation easier or harder; and if they redound to the glory of God.

Prayer.

O heavenly Father, three mighty enemies I find assailing me: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life; these endeavor to draw me from Thy grace. Therefore I pray Thee,

O my Father, create and preserve in me a clean heart. Grant that I carefully shun all places which lend occasion for uncleanness and may always be restrained by Thy fear. O God, just and holy, who triest both heart and reins, grant that I may so adhere to Thee in this world that in the world to come I may not be separated from Thee. Amen.

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life: Grant us that way to know, That truth to keep, that life to win Whose joys eternal flow.---