July 14

“Joshua … died . . . and the children of Israel did that which was evil . . . and they forsook the Lord.” — Judg 2:8-12

That is too often the way. So long as the godly parent or the faithful friend lives, it is not hard to do right; but when the human guide is gone–the restraining hand is withdrawn, and the child or friend drifts away from the holy influence. Many a boy begins to drift away from God–at his mother’s grave.

There was a man whose besetting sin was strong drink. He said to a friend one day: “When I am with you, I feel strong; if I could always be with you, I would never give way to my terrible passion.” Said his friend: “Whenever you feel the temptation getting the mastery over you, come to me and I will help you.” So, many a time this poor man might have been seen hurrying toward his friend’s office. Once in that helpful presence, he soon grew strong.

But death came to this friend, and among those who wept at his grave–none shed bitterer tears than he who had so often run to him for the sympathy and help that saved him. Soon the temptation came again, and there was no one to whom to go. In his despair he fell into the old sin, and sank down to ruin! If he had known Christ, when his friend died he would still have missed him, and would have found living harder without his help–but he would not have sunk down in utter helplessness. He would then have had the strength of Christ to support him in his temptation.