January 10

The Spirit of Life. — ROMANS viii. 2.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. — JOHN iii. 8.

WIND, though invisible, is a tremendous power, moving commerce over the seas, bringing winter and summer, and mingling the germs of vegetation which cover the world with beauty. We see the effects, and know a few laws of the wind's action. Disregard of those laws involves discomfort, disaster, disease, and death.

The Chinese say wind is the key to nature. According to their Fung-Shway doctrine, the science of meteorology involves all knowledge.

Thus, but above all superstition, is the work of the Holy Spirit. His being and activities are full of mystery, yet their presence and power are felt in imperial sway by untold millions. Knowing God through the Spirit is entrance upon all knowledge. Born of the Spirit, mere existence has become life. Hitherto becalmed and drifting helplessly, we now full our sails and move forward. All the beauties of the revolving seasons come to the soul. Years that were a desert are now a paradise of Christ-like sacrifice and heavenward preparation. Unbelief is a vacuum which the Holy Spirit cannot enter. Violation of the laws of the Spirit involves sorrow, ruin, and despair; but trustful obedience, that stumbles not at the mysteries of the Infinite, insures peace, prosperity, and eternal joy.

M. F. Bainbridge.

Eternal Spirit, we confess And sing the wonders of thy grace; Thy power conveys our blessings down From God the Father and the Son. Thy power and glory work within, And break the chains of reigning sin, All our imperious lusts subdue, And form our wretched hearts anew.

WATTS