THE FAMILY  ALTAR

June 2.

"And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with

Me from the beginning". John 15, 27.

Because the apostles were with the Lord from the beginning

of His public career, saw His mighty works, heard His words

and teachings, saw Him alive after His Passion, and witnessed

His ascension, they could give direct and reliable testimony con-

cerning His life and His work here on earth. They did so with

great zeal and courage after they had received the Comforter, the

Holy Spirit, at Pentecost. In the written Word which they have,

left us they still speak to us as the chosen eye-witnesses of our

Lord, and no power on earth or in hell can refute their testimony.

But not they alone were called to witness in behalf of the Savior.

Every Christian, be he man, woman, or child, has that blessed

calling. A witness is called on to tell the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth. If the Holy Spirit has brought us

to know the saving truth as it is in Jesus, it is our sacred duty

to bear witness of that truth before friend and foe wherever and

whenever opportunity offers, but especially when the blessed name

or Gospel of our Savior is attacked in our presence. Then we are

not to be ashamed or afraid to confess our faith in Him, in His

grace, and in His holy Word. "Whosoever shall deny Me before

men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven."

And not only with word of mouth are we to confess Jesus, our

Savior, but also by our holy, blameless life. "Ye are a chosen

generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people,

that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you

out of darkness into His marvelous light." Thus St. Peter writes

of all Christians without exception. 0 how often we forget this

sacred privilege and duty of our spiritual priesthood ! How often

we forget to bear witness for Christ as we ought! Let us pray

God the Holy Spirit to make us more faithful and more zealous

witnesses in behalf of our blessed Lord and Savior.

Stand up ! — stand up for Jesus !

Stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you,

Ye dare not trust your own;

Put on the Gospel armor,

Each piece put on with prayer;

Where duty calls, or danger,

Be never wanting there.

Stand up! — stand up for Jesus!

The strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle,

The next, the victor's song.

To him that overcometh

A crown of life shall be;

He with the King of Glory

Shall reign eternally!