January 12

“Ye are Christ’s” — 1 Corinthians iii. 23.

‘JE are Christ’s. You are His by donation, for the c Father gave you to the Son; His by His bloody y purchase, for He counted down the price for your redemption; His by dedication, for you have coayourself to Him; His by relation, for you are named by lEs name, and made one of His brethren and joint-heirs. Labor practically to show the world that you are the servant, the friend, the bride of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, “I cannot do this great wickedness, for I am Christ’s.” Immortal principles forbid the friend of Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin, say that you are Christ’s, and touch it not. Are you exposed to difficulties and dangers? Stand fast in the evil day, remembering that you are Christ’s. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your powers; tsnd when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to loiter, cry, “No, I cannot stop, for I, am Christ’s. If I were not purchased by blood, I might be like Issachar, couching between two burdens; but I am Christ’s, and cannot loiter.” When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you from the path of right, reply, “Thy music cannot charm me; I am Christ’s.” When the cause of God invites thee, give thyself to it; when the poor require theo, give thy goods and thyself away, for thou art Christ’s. Never belie thy profession. Be thou ever one of those whoso manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and conversation are so redolent of heaven, that all who see you may know that you are the Saviour’s, recognizing in you His features of love and His countenau-u of holiness. “I am a Roman!” was of old a reason fop integrity; far more, then, let it be your argument fcr holiness. “I am Christ’s.”