January 8

Put on the whole armor of God.—Ephesians 6:11.

DO I constantly and faithfully use all the weapons which are divinely provided for the Christian's conflict with the powers of evil? Do I aim at all grace—at entire safety, and so put on the whole armor of God that no part may be left exposed to the darts of the destroyer? Do I ever remember that all this defensive armor is God's, and not mine; and that no armor of my own making could afford the least protection in the day of temptation and conflict?

Christ has promised to strengthen and help, and uphold all that put their trust in him, and to make them conquerors over every spiritual enemy. And as he is faithful to his word, we need never fear. Rather may we not say, "I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."—I. SMITH.

It is a device of Satan to seduce men into a drowsy state, and then beguile them with some dream. When religion becomes irksome, then he presents some novelty which allures and deceives, whereas, if we had been prepared, we should have detected the deceit and escaped the snare.—CECIL.

Onward, Christian, onward go!

Join the conflict: face the foe!

Faint not, much doth yet remain;

Dreary is the long campaign.

Let your drooping heart be glad;

March in heavenly armor clad,

Fight, nor think the battle long,

Victory soon shall be your song!

—H. K. WHITE.