September 6

“In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the luorld.” — Philippians ii. 15,

HE us lights to make manifest. A Christian man sboTild so shine in his life, that a person could nol live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are aboup him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he servesand should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. are intended for guidance. We are to helf those arouid us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, rnd the weary to a divine resting-place. Men Bometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meanlog of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of goJliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a lighthouse is sure to be erected. Christian :men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure: they hoist the wrong light; be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever be goes, and difi’use happiness around him.

“Gracious Spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would gracious be,
And with words that help and heal,
Would Thy life in mine reveal,
And with actions bold and meek,
Would for Christ my Saviour speak.”