August 5

PEACE.

"The fruit of the Spirit is peace." — Galatians 5:22.

THE Gospel is a system of peace; God is the author of peace; Christ is the Prince of peace, and "the fruit of the Spirit is peace." Christians are the sons of peace. Three things may be remarked concerning this grace.

WHAT IT INCLUDES.

Peace with God. Our natural state is one of enmity with God, and alienation from him. By grace, enmity is exchanged for love, and we are reconciled to him by the blood of Christ.

Peace of conscience. This is the immediate effect of our peace with God. While the heart is alienated from him, there is a disturbance within, that no external circumstances can quell. Everything around us may be peaceful and tranquil, like the summer brook, while all within may be agitated and perturbed, like the troubled sea.

Peace with one another. A friendly and peaceable temper and disposition is in accordance with the Gospel we profess, and the Master we serve.

WHAT IT REQUIRES.

Personal sacrifice. There must be the exercise of self-denial and forbearance. A self-willed, obstinate temper is opposed to a spirit of Christian peace. For the maintaining of peace, we must often sacrifice pride, prejudice, our feelings and comforts.

Continual watchfulness. He that has subdued his own spirit is a greater conqueror than Alexander or Casar. How many brave generals have made the most illustrious achievements, conquered nations, and subdued kingdoms, and at last have had an enemy within they could not overcome!

Persevering efforts. Christians are not only called on to be peace-seekers, but peace-makers. We should be ready with the still water of Christian love and charity to quench the first sparks of discord, before they are kindled by unholy breath into a flame of unhallowed fire. "Follow peace."

WHAT IT INSURES. Many privileges are connected with it.

It is associated with the Divine favor. The development of such a disposition is an evidence of our spiritual sonship. It will promote our individual happiness. There is a delightful feeling experienced by the sons of peace, which the children of discord never knew.

It will secure the esteem of others. Individuals who cultivate such a godlike disposition, are an incalculable blessing, both to the church and the world. How culpable are many professing Christians, who display a spirit quite contrary to that of their Divine Master, who was meek and lowly in heart; and thus dishonor religion, please the enemy, and grieve the Holy Spirit of God!

"Hail, Source of light! arise and shine; All gloom and doubt dispel; Give peace and joy, for we are thine; In us forever dwell."