January 17

" Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." -- Romans 12:11.

THE Christian should possess an active spirit, for both worlds have a claim on him. He has to exercise himself in duties secular, social, and sacred. Here is

AN EVIL TO AVOID. It is slothfulness. God has wisely ordained that we should have various pursuits and occupations while in this world. The indolent are exposed to a thousand temptations, which an active man knows nothing of. An idler, whose time hangs heavy on his hands, and who is a burden to himself, confirms the truth of the sentiment,

" Absence of occupation is not rest, A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd."

A WORK TO PERFORM.—"Serving the Lord." The Christian is to walk with God in his daily avocations, and in the midst of his secular affairs. What is included in serving the Lord? It is to give up ourselves to his disposal, live in his fear, walk in his commandments, and aim at his glory. He is to be served with a sincere heart, an unshaken resolution, and a willing mind.

A SPIRIT TO CHRIST. "Fervent in spirit." True fervor is not an occasional, but a continued feeling; it is not like a sudden glare produced by ignited straw, which however bright is soon extinguished; but like the lamp in the sacred temple which burnt with a steady flame. It is not like a rushing torrent, which, though it may spread far and wide at the same time, yet soon subsides; but like the streams issuing from a perennial fountain. There must be on our part a diligent improvement of the graces of the Spirit, and an active performance of the duties of religion.

'T is to my Saviour I would live — To him who for my ransom died; Nor could all worldly honor give Such bliss as crowns me at his side.