A Child of God (continued) ney, the Lord Jesus Christ, who pleads our case. We ask forgiveness of Him, and we have the assurance of His full and complete pardon. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). We are, however, to be masters over sin. That’s why we later read, “I write unto you, young men, because ye have over come the wicked one . . . I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (I John 2:13, 14). If we are to truly overcome sin, the Word of God must dwell fully within us. That’s what David meant long ago when he said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” Now, not only do we drink the milk of the Word of God, allowing it to abide in us, but we are certainly to put the Word of God into daily action and experience. We are to be a people noted for our good works. “My little children, let us not love in word, neith er in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we do know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him” (I John 3:18, 19). It’s one thing to speak the Gospel, however, it is quite another thing to live the Gospel. If we would grow in grace and walk these steps to sonship, first there must be the Bible study, the overcoming of sin, and last of all the doing of good works. All of this, you understand, is not to earn salvation, but comes as a result of our salvation. This is what our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Do you daily desire to become a better son of God? Then put these things into prac tice through your daily life. You will be amazed at the joy which is yours as you move forward in your blessed and holy privileges.
LIFE'S POISON PLANTS A new book has just been pub lished which probably will never be a best seller. It is, however, most interesting. It has been compiled by two South African biologists and their work is entitled, “Poison Plant Encyclopedia.” It is five inches thick, contains nearly 300 illustrations, with a cross index of English, Afri- caans and botanical names. It has taken 40 years of studying of plants, 15 years to compile the book, and all-told represent a tremendous task finally accomplished. No doubt the volume w ill be a standard work for the days to come. Poison plants don’t change their characteristics over night. T h e y must be recognized, their potency analyzed, as well as their potential dangers posted. But there are many other poison plants in the world to day. Some of the most appealing according to this encyclopedia are those which look the most innocent and harmless. So often there comes the appeal to the Christian to com promise with the things of the world; to be conformed; to go along w ith the crowd. We must mark the poison plants and make certain they don’t hold sway in our lives. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your ad versary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” * Money is not the measure of a man but it is often the means of finding out just how small he is. * * * Happiness is like perfume, you can't sprinkle it on others without getting a few drops on yourself. * * * It is much easier to be critical than to be correct. * * * There are some people who go about doing good but unfortunately all too many who are just content to go about. * *
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