August 8

Probe all things. — 1 THESS. v. 21.

Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. — MATT. xxiv. 4, 5.

THE Christ sat within a circle of disciples. They had just crossed "black Kidron." They had turned their backs on the city doomed to be "left desolate." "Day was dying in the west" as they ascended Olivet, and they found themselves facing one of the grandest sights of earth, for they were "over against the temple," the shadows of whose massive proportions lay across the valley and on the mountain side. No wonder that after gathering about their Master, those disciples ventured to inquire the time set for the destruction of such magnificence as well as for the time of his advent. Remarkable is this reply, for it matched their need, not their want. He gave them not information, but instruction. Better was it for them to be personally prepared than prophetically expert. Their inquiry evidenced danger. Their thinking was not clear. Confusion was imminent, and care must be taken. Judaic false Christs were coming. They did come; fifteen of them, so it is said. But every age has its false Messiahs and its fictitious religiousness. Believers, beware of deceivers.

James Chambers

Enable with perpetual light

The dulness of our blinded sight;

Anoint and cheer our soiled face

With the abundance of thy grace;

Keep far our foes, give peace at home;

Where thou art guide, no ill can come.

GREGORY THE GREAT (translated).