CHOKE-DAMP. Carbonic acid gas, commonly known as choke-damp, is usually found in pits or the bottom of old wells. It is so called because it has often suffocated those who came into contact with it. In the pit of iniquity and in the old wells of worldliness this soul-choking damp still abounds. If you wish … Continue reading “1040. CHOKE-DAMP.”
1039. LIVING WATER WITHIN.
LIVING WATER WITHIN. On the sands at Saltcoats there is a spring of fresh water, but as it is within the tide-mark, it is frequently buried beneath the briny waves. But every time the tide recedes the spring appears as fresh and full as ever. If there is within us what our Lord offers to … Continue reading “1039. LIVING WATER WITHIN.”
1038. SOMETHING IN NOTHING.
SOMETHING IN NOTHING. The cipher 0 standing by itself means nothing, and is frequently used only to fill up an empty space. But it is a capital thing for filling up, without attracting any attention, or lessening the value of others. When we sing, "O to be nothing," do we mean 0 to fill some … Continue reading “1038. SOMETHING IN NOTHING.”
1037. AFFLICTION.
AFFLICTION. The tortoiseshell is a valuable article of commerce. To get the turtle to freely yield its beautiful plates the natives kindle a fire upon the animal’s back. This is a cruel process, but the fires of affliction may need to be kindled around us and on us to make us yield the precious fruits … Continue reading “1037. AFFLICTION.”
1036. ONE IS YOUR MASTER.
ONE IS YOUR MASTER. Two queen bees will not live together in the same hive. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." It would be well with us if, when we yield ourselves to Christ, we would do as some barbarous princes, who when they are honoured with a crown immediately cast into prison or put … Continue reading “1036. ONE IS YOUR MASTER.”
1035. TRANSFORMING GRACE.
TRANSFORMING GRACE. Chemistry has performed many wonderful feats of transformation. What is more black and dirty and unpromising than coal-tar, yet it has been changed into the most beautiful and useful colours? But the grace of God has wrought still more marvellous wonders. What could be more filthy and unpromising than a God-hating, blaspheming sinner, … Continue reading “1035. TRANSFORMING GRACE.”
1034. SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE. The greatest athlete in Britain is weakness itself in the grasp of the fierce gorilla that can twist a gun barrel like a rotten stick. Just as helpless are we to wrestle with spiritual wickedness in high places without the armour of God and the sword of the Spirit which that great gorilla, … Continue reading “1034. SPIRITUAL WARFARE.”
1033. BEHOLD NOW.
BEHOLD NOW. In the Polar regions the summer season causes much joy and brightness. Every hour is utilised, as they well know that in a few weeks the opportunity will be gone, and the severity of a long winter will again set in. They act as those who believe that the time is short. Such … Continue reading “1033. BEHOLD NOW.”
1032. THE SWORD OF THE WORD.
THE SWORD OF THE WORD. We are told that the grey heron has a very singular mode of defence. When attacked by the eagle or falcon it simply stands quiet and firm, using its bill as a sword, allowing the enemy to pierce himself through by his own force. The Christian’s method of defence is … Continue reading “1032. THE SWORD OF THE WORD.”
1031. CHRIST-LIKENESS.
CHRIST-LIKENESS. The caterpillar of a moth, we are told, becomes like the colour of the leaf upon which it feeds. Its colour in this way indicates the character of the food it eats. If we would be like Christ we must feed on Him. Our moral character will always manifest the colour of our mental … Continue reading “1031. CHRIST-LIKENESS.”