October 17

When he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.

JAMES I. 12.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. — JOHN XV. 2.

THE fruits of the Spirit are the only evidence of a man's being a true Christian. Where there is no fruit there is no vital union to Christ. A person may be a Christian in name and have a nominal union to Christ, but there will be no fruit. Fruit must be seen in holiness of life and character. He that is destitute of these is "dead while he liveth."

There are different degrees spoken of. — "fruit," "more fruit," and "much fruit." If the Christian only bear "fruit," Christ is pleased: but he desires "more fruit" and "much fruit," and hence he often uses the pruning-knife of trial and affliction that he may make his children more holy. God never intends to do us harm by trial or to make us suffer for the sake of suffering, but "for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness." Am I united to Christ as the branch to the vine by a living faith? Then let me endure with patience any pruning, that I may not only bear "more fruit" but "much fruit;" for "herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit."

Arthur N. Hoadley.

Then let me never more repine Beneath the chastening stroke, And be the willing spirit mine To wear the Saviour's yoke.

THOMAS MACKELLAR.