Is "a world of iniquity."It "boasteth great things." ''an unruly evil." ''defileth the whole body." '' tamed by no man. " ' 'setteth on fire the course "full of deadly poison."of nature." '' set on fire of hell.''

" Speak not evil one of another."

These are solemn words. And which of us has not suffered in some way by this "little member."Having suffered makes us perhaps more careful for a time. But how easily we slip into the old way, when not on our guard!

If we lived in God's presence consciously, our words would be weighed by His thoughts of them, and not by our faulty human measure.

I know of no one thing which can be the cause of more misery among God's people than a wrong use of the tongue; of nothing which can rake up more filth and vileness, enmity, strife, and bitterness, or that can make the heart more sore.

God in His Word has told us of its capabilities in this direction, and we need only take the warning.

I do not speak of railing, or of open slander,- these are more tangible things,-but of the little whisperings and insinuations, the needless repetition of that which does not tend to promote love. "Love worketh no 99:" The habit of criticizing each other, we all know, is wrong, and yet how much it is done! Sometimes it may be thoughtlessly, but if so, let us wake up to the mischief it works.

It is certainly damaging to one's soul, and has a baneful influence upon others. It destroys holy affections, inevitably cripples an assembly, and ruins all testimony, if allowed in the family.

And I would here beg of you mothers (as you love the Lord, and desire, in these days of increasing evil and difficulties, to bring up your children in the fear of the Lord,) to cut it short, without mercy, in your homes, at your tables. If you do not, it will eat all the spirituality out of your house. This may seem like strong language, but not stronger than God's word would warrant.

Young and old are responsible alike to God and to each other.

We have all felt at times, no doubt, under peculiar pressure, the relief which comes in unburdening the heart to some one who we believe will add their prayers to ours; it may be in our own behalf, or that of some loved one whose good alone we seek. To this there could be no objection; but such confidences should be held sacred, and that which is confided repeated to none but God.

I see no warrant for uncovering the faults and failings of others except to carry them to God with one consent. Oh, if we could only keep this in mind, how much sorrow would be saved !

But I fear that when we allow such things in ourselves, and suffer them to pass unrebuked in others, it shows a sorrowful lack of the exercise of love. This repeating of little matters, back and forth, is contemptible, soul – withering, and not worthy of those professing godliness. It sets fire to the evil of our natural hearts, burning from one to another, driving out peace, joy, love, and all the blessed fruits of the Spirit, and wounding the hearts of those we profess to love.

As those who are called to reflect Christ Jesus in a world which is keen to mark our follies and inconsistencies, and to cast slurs on the name of our blessed Master because of them, let us examine our own hearts in the presence of God.

Remember, '' out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh," and if the heart is not filled with Christ, rest assured, it will not be empty.

The days are evil, and the character of the professing church is Laodicean. Let us watch, therefore, lest we lose our own joy, and stumble the weak.