"I'll Turn over a New Leaf."
It is all very well for you to say that you will "turn over a new leaf." But let me ask, what about the past black leaves of guilt? The school boy, after spilling the ink on the page of his copy book, turns over a new leaf, resolving that in the future he will be more careful; but "turning over a new leaf" does not remove the blotted one, and soon the teacher's eye detects the blot; and punishes him for his carelessness. It may be, dear reader, at one time you were addicted to drinking or swearing or other bad habits; but of late you have "turned over a new leaf," and are becoming what the world calls a "reformed" person. This is right and proper, but don't forget that future good conduct can never blot out past disobedience. A merchant finds that he is in difficulties. He takes his cash-book, and begins a "new leaf," forgetting that there is a "carried over" and a "brought forward" column. New figures on the "new leaf" won't pay the old debts. Every page of our life account is headed with a "brought forward." Reader "turning over a new leaf" won't do for you. You must become a new creature in Christ Jesus.—The Watchman.