July 31

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16.

DO I not only love the truth which God has revealed, but do I endeavor to live the life which his word enjoins? Thus do I seek not only to glorify God myself, but to lead others to do the same? Do I bear in mind that the proof of God's grace being in my heart, is its effect on my life; and that a holy example may influence, when calls of divine truth might otherwise be unheard or disregarded? Do I endeavor so to live that all may safely follow my example?

"Even miracles," says Neander, "could not have given Christianity a firm hold on human nature, if it had not penetrated by its divine power, and thus shown itself to be that which alone can satisfy the higher necessities of man. This divine power of the gospel revealed itself to the heathen in the lives of Christians. The announcement of the gospel by the life, operated even more powerfully than its announcement by the word."

If you have not gold and silver

Ever ready at command;

If you cannot, toward the needy,

Reach an ever-open hand;

You can visit the afflicted;

O'er the erring you can weep;

You can be a true disciple,

Sitting at the Saviour's feet.

—F. CROSBY.