February 28

"Guard the deposit."—1 Timothy 6:20 (R.V., margin).

THERE is a treasure of truth which I must hold fast; the pattern of healthful words, St. Paul calls it. The simple and pregnant gospel of the grace of God, which tells me of my lost estate, and of the love of the Father, and of the Cross of the Son. I must ring it forth in no dubious accents. I must defend it with soldierly courage. It is assailed from many quarters, but I must avow myself its advocate and spokesman.

There is a treasure of life which I must hold fast. That spirit of power and love and discipline with which God has endowed me. That new and heavenly nature which He has created within me. I must not risk and imperil it where it will be in danger. I must not tamper with anything that may dull its keen edge and rub away its delicate bloom. And yet I must not hide it in fearfulness and cowardice, but must show the shining light.

There is a treasure of other souls which I must hold fast. Whatever position I occupy in Christ's church, however humble I am, I am appointed an apostle and a teacher. There are the sheep to tend. There are the young lambs to feed. There are the wanderers to win. I must leave no method untried which may benefit them. I must love them with the Master's love. If need be, I must lay down my life for the brethren.

If I am to hold these treasures fast, must not God hold me fast all the days of my life? "I prayed fervently to the Lord," said Pastor Harms of Hermannsburg; "I laid the matter in His hands; and, as I rose at midnight from my knees, I said, with a voice that almost startled me, Forward now in God's name!" It is the one way to guard the deposit.