April 23

Let us watch and be sober. — I THESS. v. 6.

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. — REV. iii. 1.

HOW close and minute is the espionage of God! He knows our works, our words, our thoughts, the intents of the heart. He is quick to detect evil, and just as quick to discern good. He knew the heartlessness and formality of Sardis, and also the charity, the service, the faith, the patience, and the works of Thyatira. God is not a policeman, but an husbandman. He is more pleased to see a grain of corn sprout in the ground than to detect a worm gnawing at the root. He warns, he exhorts, he encourages, before he visits with scourge and ruin.

Sardis, opulent city of Lesser Asia, capital of ancient Lydia, mad with pleasures and with wealth, we do not wonder, knowing human nature, that the Church of God within thy walls and under thy influence became spiritually dead. And yet we may wonder, for he who founded thee could give the fulness of the Spirit, and also faithful pastors in the place of those who, dead themselves, were leading their people in the dance of death. There is no excuse for deadness when life can be had for the asking.

Even in Sardis there were those who had not defiled their garments. This is proof that spiritual life can be given and sustained in most trying conditions. This is proof that a man can be a Christian anywhere.

S B Rossiter

Come, let us to the Lord our God With contrite hearts return; Our God is gracious, nor will leave The desolate to mourn.

JOHN MORRISON.