March 22

Revelation 13:17—That no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark.

From many hints dropped from time to time by business men it would seem as though the time described in these words is already being inaugurated. Christian men are finding it increasingly difficult to carry on their businesses without adopting a lower standard than that of the sanctuary. Tradespeople are strongly tempted to adopt two prices, adulterate, or sell beneath their samples. Workmen are hardly put to it when association with their fellows threatens to involve them in movements from which in their secret souls they revolt. How much business is done over the glass of wine or in the public-house!

Under these circumstances, Christians must resolve:

First, that they will not trifle with their conscience, but will dare in all respects to obey the law of Christ.—For every one there is an inevitable choice to be made and maintained, whether a clear conscience or a fortune is to hold the first place in their business career. At many a subsequent crisis the decision may be tested; but the peril of reversing is will become always less.

Second, men must be content to bear poverty as part of the cross of Christ.—We admire and canonise the martyrs, but are strangely unwilling to face the disgrace of poverty, the dens and caves of the earth, which they endured for principle. Our religion will cost us something, or we may fairly question its vitality and worth. What a man will not suffer for he does not value.

Third, Christian people should teach their children the nobility of frugality, simplicity, and contentment.—There would be fewer hearts broken by prodigals if we lived as though Christian life did not consist in our possessions, but in God.