May 31

I Timothy vi. — 6. Godliness with contentment is great gain.

7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8. And, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.

9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11. But thou, O man of God! flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.

14. That thou keep this commandment without

spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ;

15. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16. Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

17. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20. O Timothy! keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called;

21. Which some professing, have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

To be rich is a grave responsibility; to desire to be rich is a great temptation; to resolve to be rich is a fearful peril. None are ever accused or denounced in the gospel simply for having riches; but such are warned against making riches their trust. The history of mercantile communities, of rail way investments, of stock speculations, show that nothing is more uncertain or delusive than what men fancy to be prosperity; and the history of the Church shows that nothing is more likely to draw away the heart from God than the possession of great wealth. Hence the rich are admonished to cultivate the sense of dependence upon God, and to save themselves from corruption and apostasy by giving freely to all good causes. The desire of riches should never be suffered to take

possession of the heart, for this corroding passion is the root of all evil; while the purpose to be rich, as the one aim of life, is almost certain to lure one on to the destruction of his soul. No sin is more dangerous than covetousness; none more damning. The offset to this perilous temptation is faith. A faith that measures this life by the next; a faith that believes in God as the rewarder of them that seek him; a faith that puts righteousness above mammon; a faith that sees Christ upon his throne, and feels assured of immortality at his appearing, — can rest content with the bare means of living, and of serving him. When earthly possessions vanish, this contented piety realizes the greatness of its gain. The confession of Christ is the way to a crown of glory.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 30, 153, 184.

We come to thee this morning, heavenly Father, with hearts full of thankfulness for the mercies of the night. We have rested in safety and in peace under the shadow of thy wing. Thou hast kept us quiet from the fear of evil: nor sickness, nor death, nor tempest, nor fire, nor any calamity, hath overtaken us or our dwelling. How sure are the mercies of thy covenant, O Lord! All thy promises in Christ Jesus are Yea and Amen. Fulfil unto us, we beseech thee, these thy mercies and promises, and cause that this day we may rejoice in thy salvation.

Bless to us thy Word which we have now read. Oh! sanctify us by thy truth; and, while we receive its instruction and comfort in our hearts, may we carry out its precepts in our lives, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things! May we be just and true, loving and kind, gentle, forbearing, and forgiving, and so shine as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of life! May every day witness some new victory over evil

desires and passions within us, and over the evil that is in the world! By feeding upon thy Word, the bread of heaven, may we grow up into Him who is our Life and Head, even Christ! [Oh! may these children grow in grace as they grow in years and in knowledge! May they shun evil companions and evil ways, and walk in the way of thy commandments!] Keep all dear to us even as the apple of thine eye. Bless our neighbors, and send thy Spirit upon this whole community. Bless our rulers, and the schools and churches in our land. May all who rule, and all who teach, be led and taught by thee! Have pity upon the poor and the sorrowing; upon homes made desolate by famine, pestilence, or war. Stay thy judgments, O Lord! and send peace and salvation to all people. Mercifully forgive our sins, and bring us unto the perfection of knowledge, of holiness, and of blessedness, in Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom be glory forever. Amen.