August 25

"That ye stand fast." — Philippians 1:27

THIS is a very short, but suitable advice; it implies the previous possession of Christian principle, and enjoins on us STABILITY. "That ye stand fast;" that is, be fixed, firm, and settled. Matthew Henry observes, our conversation should be as becomes those who believe Gospel truths, submit to Gospel laws, and depend upon Gospel promises; and with an answerable faith, holiness, and comfort. We must stand fast in the things of religion, both as it regards faith and practice. There must be

A firm and unshaken adherence to the truths which the Gospel unfolds. Here the Bible must be our rule — the man of our counsel — the standard of our appeal: our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men. To consult human traditions rather than the divine oracles, would be to prefer the glimmering taper to the meridian sun, the polluted stream to the pure fountain, the feeble intellect of man to the mind and wisdom of God. There must be the foundation of Gospel truth laid in the mind, if we would be built up in our most holy faith. We are to grow in grace and knowledge, and follow on to know the Lord. We may receive accessions to our knowledge, without impairing our stability. What a changeable and vacillating spirit do some individuals betray; first embracing this opinion, and then that notion, like the chameleon, which assumes different colors; they resemble plants whose soil is frequently changed, and are thereby not likely to grow or thrive; they are like vessels in the sea, driven hither and thither by winds, and never making any progress towards the haven. "Unstable as water, they shall not excel." But it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. There must also be

A diligent and persevering discharge of the duties which the Gospel enjoins. It is possible to have a sound creed, and yet not a sincere heart. Many deny by their life what they affirm with their lips. The duties of religion are various. We are to have our conversation becoming the Gospel in every scene, and on every occasion. Thus the life of the Christian is represented as a walk with God. We must stand fast in our honorable profession, unmoved alike by the smiles or the frowns of a wicked world; stedfast in a practical regard to the solemn obligations that devolve on us, and unmovable, like the rock in the midst of raging billows and foaming waves. What a mercy that there is One who is willing to impart that strength from on high, by which alone we can stand secure!