January 20

"Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long." — Proverbs 23:17.

RELIGION holds its seat in the heart, and sheds its heavenly influence in the life. It is a governing principle, and where divinely instilled, will obtain the ascendancy over the sinful and corrupt passions of the mind. The passage gives us a fine view of religion in its practical tendency, bearing on the scenes and circumstances of every day. Observe concerning this duty

THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED. It includes

The habitual recognition of the Divine presence. There may be an occasional acknowledgment of it, where these feelings are by no means habitual. Many express a temporary awe of God in a thunder storm, who forget him when all nature is tranquil and serene. As the lightning quickly flashes along the skies, as the rolling thunder soon dies on the ear, and the clouds are rapidly dispersed, so transient is the effect produced on their minds.

A cheerful submission to the Divine will. God is to be recognized in the duties, trials, and disappointments, as well as the comforts and mercies of the day.

A continual devotedness to the Divine glory. The Christian's is to be, not a sudden start, and then a halt, but a steady, persevering course.

THE MOTIVES BY WHICH IT MAY BE URGED. You should cultivate this habitual principle of fear, to testify your gratitude, to show your obedience, to evince your sincerity, and to secure your welfare. Such a course is pleasing to God, honorable to your profession, unanswerable to your opponents, and encouraging to your companions.

The Saviour bids us watch and pray.

Maintain a warrior's strife;

Help, Lord, to hear thy voice to-day;

Obedience is our life.