THE fascinations of the present evil world are usually powerful with the weaker sex. There is a present relish about them which pleases the inexperienced mind. Those who have learnt to be wise will let them pass. They are pleasures too short for those who long for immortality, and too dearly bought when enjoyed at the risk of God's displeasure and our own hurt. The danger is greater than the simple know. lt is not the immediate effect of an individual act of participation in the world's pleasures that is to be considered; it is what it may easily lead to in associations formed, and the fostering of an inferior taste to the weakening of such as the truth creates within us.

Then there is that social rivalry which still more easily draws even wise women into its coils, in which the foolish votaries of fashion put themselves to immense trouble to commend themselves to their equally-foolish contemporaries. This is great vanity, the victims of which at last get wearied and disgusted. For one professing godliness to get entrapped in this mistake. (living in the world and of the world), is sadder than the case of even an out-and-out worldling, who, at least, never having aspired to a crown of immortality, does not lose it. Far rather not to embrace the glad tidings of the kingdom, and not to rejoice in the prospect of that untold goodness of God. and set oneself to the attainment thereof, than for a woman to lay hold on these things, and engraft upon them "the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life."

We are required, while the Lord is away, to honour him by a faithful compliance with all his commandments, whether spoken by his own lips or delivered by his servants, whom he commissioned to speak for him; and we cannot expect to attain this faithfulness, otherwise than by the constant study and remembrance of these things.

This brings to mind again the thought that, apart from the daily study of the Word, there is little chance of success. How, otherwise, in the absence of voice and sign, are we to continue in harmony with the expressed mind of our Master who is in heaven? Familiar acquaintance with the Word enables us to realise that it is not according to His will that we should coquette with the world, or keep it secret that we are espoused to him; neither is it his will, when we have withdrawn from the world, that we should plan how nearly we may conform to its foolish and faithless ways, and yet retain His favour. He desires that abundant love which He has shown for us, and which should constrain us readily and lovingly to be content to be as He was in this evil world. We may have Him continually before us in memory as our pattern; the example which we shall be alone safe to follow.

No one who knows the truth, can flatter a world which is ignorant, unbelieving and disobedient, and be guiltless before God. -- Dr. Thomas

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