March 8

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.—Hebrews 12:1.

IS there any special sin which holds me back when I would press onward and upward in the divine life? Is it an inordinate love of the world—of its riches, honors, enjoyments, or frivolities? Is it a sin of desire, or temper, or want of sincerity and truthfulness? Is it some covered sin of the heart or life, which the eye of the world sees not, but of which conscience testifies I am guilty? And whatever it may be, do I watch and pray against it, and am I striving to overcome it, that it may not separate between me and the Saviour?

One sin unmortified, may destroy the soul. One darling appetite or passion maintained in spite of conscience, will keep us back from the Saviour, and hide the light of his countenance from the soul.—WATSON.

It is of no use to shut all the gates of a city but one against the enemy, if that one is left wide open. And so to break off from many or even most sins, while one besetting sin is allowed and cherished, may ruin us for ever.

Think that He, the All-discerning,

Knows thy path at every turning,

Knows each secret hidden stain;

Even what shame would fain gloss over,

He doth easily discover;

All thou dost, to him is plain.

—LYRA GERMANICA.