October 18

"Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance." I Tim. 16. 8, 9.

If we personify godliness, we may represent her as standing with the world beneath her feet, heaven in her eye, a wreath of glory on her brow, and a smile of composure playing on her countenance; length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor; her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace; she has an anchor for sea, and a shield for land, and she goes forth scattering the choicest blessings on all who honor her. But let us turn from the figure to the fact, and contemplate the pleasures and advantages of true piety.

EXUMERATE ITS PROMISES. But how can we do this? Go and stand by a wide flowing river, and number the particles of water that pass in rapid succession along the streams; and if you can do this, then you may be able to enumerate the promises of godliness. They are here divided into two classes.

Present. "Having promise of the life that now is." Believers have a present salvation. How nearly are grace and glory united!—grace is the day-break, glory is the meridian and noon-tide splendor of the sun; grace is the closed bud, glory the open flower; grace is the seed-time, glory the harvest. These two kingdoms are united by so small an isthmus, that he who stands upon the extremest boundary of the kingdom of grace on earth, has almost already set his foot within the kingdom of glory in heaven. The promises are a precious book, written with the finger of God, and every leaf drops honey and myrrh; they are golden vessels, in which are treasured up the choicest jewels God has to bestow. But the promises are

Future. They regard the life to come. It is a glory yet to be revealed. There are golden harps, but they shall be tuned to his praise; there are never-fading crowns, but they shall be cast at his feet; there are palms of victory, but they shall be waved to his glory. The redeemed above are said to be inheriting the promises. Let us now

ENFORCE ITS CLAIMS. Three are mentioned here.

Its truth. "This is a faithful saying." The evidences of Christianity are strong and undeniable. It is proved externally by signs and wonders, prophecies and miracles; and internally by the witness of the Spirit, and the testimony of the Christian's experience. Its worth. It is worthy; worthy of your thoughts and desires; worth praying for, and worth receiving. It is heaven's greatest mercy and God's richest gift. Its universal fitness. "Worthy of all acceptation." Its blessings and enjoyments are adapted to the nature, capacities, requirements, and immortality of the soul. The form of godliness will no more profit than painted fire will warm: let us, therefore, seek its vital power, that we may enjoy its inestimable privileges.