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GOODMORNING AND GRACE TO ALL BRETHREN!

"I have yet to speak on God's behalf."
- Job 36:2

We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal;
but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which
God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be
a village in a valley, but "a city set upon a hill;" he is not to be a
candle under a bushel, but a candle in a candlestick, giving light to all.
Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to hide one's self is
doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified,
and the keeping back of truth which is precious to ourselves is a sin
against others and an offence against God. If you are of a nervous
temperament and of retiring disposition, take care that you do not too
much indulge this trembling propensity, lest you should be useless to the
church. Seek in the name of him who was not ashamed of you to do some
little violence to your feelings, and tell to others what Christ has told
to you. If thou canst not speak with trumpet tongue, use the still small
voice. If the pulpit must not be thy tribune, if the press may not carry
on its wings thy words, yet say with Peter and John, "Silver and gold have
I none; but such as I have give I thee." By Sychar's well talk to the
Samaritan woman, if thou canst not on the mountain preach a sermon; utter
the praises of Jesus in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if
not upon the exchange; in the midst of thine own household, if thou canst
not in the midst of the great family of man. From the hidden springs
within let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink
to every passer-by. Hide not thy talent; trade with it; and thou shalt
bring in good interest to thy Lord and Master. To speak for God will be
refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and
honouring to the Saviour.
Dumb children are an affliction to their parents.
Lord, unloose all thy children's tongue.

C.H.SPURGEON

SOLI DEO GLORIA!