October 4

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"—Psalms 27:1.

TRUE piety elevates its possessor in the scale of being, exalts his feelings, dignifies his character, and sanctifies his heart. It provides for us a suitable relief in every trying state, and enables us to exult in God as the God of our salvation. Let us notice

THE CONFIDENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN. "Whom shall I fear?" This is not the language of vain presumption, but the expression of Christian assurance. Whom have we to fear?

God? He is reconciled. The love of God is shed abroad in the believer's heart, and the possession of love softens the feelings of fear; shall we be afraid to approach a reconciled Father?

The law? It is satisfied. Those who are under the bond of the covenant, need not fear the curse of the law; its threatenings are averted, and the curse is turned into a blessing.

Satan? He is conquered. He can go no farther than the length of his chain. "The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly."

Afflictions? They are sanctified. Shall I fear that which comes from my Father, who loves me? Shall I fear that which is designed for my good? Shall I fear that which is sent to promote the spiritual benefit of my soul? The diamond of piety never sparkles so brightly as when the Christian is surrounded with the darkness of affliction.

Death? It is vanquished. To the believer it is only "the shadow of death:" there is no substantial evil in it,—the shadow of a serpent will not sting; the shadow of a lion will not devour; and the shadow of a sword will not kill. Death is only a dark passage that leads to our Father's house. The unbeliever has every thing to fear, God is his enemy, he is under the curse of the law, led captive by the devil, his afflictions are unsanctified, and he is unprepared for death.

"God is my strong salvation; What foe have I to fear? In darkness and temptation, My light, my help, is near."