“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.

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