July 6

"So will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing." — Zechariah 1:7, 13.

THESE words were spoken of ancient Israel; but they will apply to every Israelite indeed. We have in them the personal advantage and relative benefit of religion.

ITS PERSONAL ADVANTAGE. "So will I save you." Salvation is the grand theme of the Bible, the burden of heaven's anthems, and the joy of the penitent's heart.

Its nature. It includes in it every thing desirable; a deliverance from evil, and the enjoyment of good. It is associated with present pleasures, and shall be crowned with eternal happiness.

Its subjects. "You." Who? Men, and not angels. "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." Sinners, rebels; those who are exposed to danger, and in a state of spiritual death.

Its Author. "I will save you." Every blessing must be traced up to him who is the Father of lights, and the Author of every good and perfect gift. Salvation is of the Lord. It is the fruit of the Father's love, the Son's purchase, and the Spirit's grace.

ITS RELATIVE BENEFIT. "And ye shall be a blessing." What a contrast to their former state! "Ye were a curse," and this will apply to those who are in an unconverted state. God imparts the light of grace, that believers may shine — gives the salt of grace, that they may bear a savor of religion — plants the trees of grace, that they may bear fruit; and blesses them, that they may be a blessing to others. So they are designated "the excellent of the earth." But in what respects are they a blessing?

By their holy example. It was a good saying of one of the heathen philosophers, "Talk not of a good life, let your life speak." There is an impressive and commanding eloquence in this silent voice.

By their active exertions. We should endeavor to relieve the temporal wants of the needy, and thus obtain the blessing of those who are ready to perish. But above all, let us seek their spiritual good, and so be a blessing in the instruction of the ignorant, the warning of the careless, the reclaiming of the wanderer, and the conversion of sinners to God.

By their fervent prayers. There is many a humble, secluded Christian, who is made an extensive blessing by his importunate supplications. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Let me inquire how I stand in society — Am I a blessing or a curse? for none of us liveth to himself.