The sum total of human influence is comprised in these three words. In one of these three channels it must flow; for it has no other. Every sin that has ever been committed, has been done in some one or all of these three ways; and every good deed that has ever been performed, has been confined to the same channels. All that goes to make up character, takes its place under some one of these three heads; and when character is weighed at last, the estimate will be formed on these three points alone—the thoughts, the words, and the actions. How important then do these channels of our being become! How important that they be carefully closed against the insidious ingress of the enemy, and sleeplessly guarded against all his attacks! In each of these ways we may go wrong, in each of them sin against God; while only by being right in all of them can we be accepted with him. And here we are never idle. In thought or word or act we are always busy; and in neither of these can we be neutral; we are therefore constantly moving on one side or the other. Think of this, and say, reader, if the importance can be estimated of knowing how to be, and then of being, on all these points without sin. Let us then look at a few of the declarations, directions and warnings of the word of God touching these divisions of our conduct. Considering the importance of our outward actions, and the direct influence we thereby exert on those around us, we are not surprised to find throughout the blessed word so many exhortations to those deeds which are good, and so many warnings against those which are evil. By the Lord, we are told, actions are weighed. 1 Sam. 2:3. A law has been given us by which to regulate our lives in this respect, enforced by suitable rewards and penalties; outward manifestations of God's displeasure against sin, have been recorded for our admonition; and finally we are told that according to our deeds, whether good or bad, so shall be our sentence beyond this life. Next to our acts, we exert an influence for good or evil by our words. What directions have we concerning these? By them we may accomplish good. "A word spoken in season," according to Solomon, "how good is it!" And words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Prov. 15:23; 25:11. Profane and vain words "will eat as doth a canker." 2 Tim. 2:17. The man that offends not in word is a perfect man. Jas. 3:2. The Psalmist prayed that the words of his mouth might be acceptable to the Lord. Ps. 19:14. The words of the tale-bearers are as wounds. Prov. 18:8. There is more hope of a fool, than of a man who is hasty in his words. Prov. 29:20. In coming before God our words should not be hasty and rash, but few. Eccl. 5:2. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. Prov. 12:22. We are to keep from speaking evil and guile. Ps. 34:13; Prov. 24:28. The tongue must be bridled. Jas. 1:26. And, finally, for every idle word we must give an account; and by our words we shall at last be justified or condemned. Matt. 12:36, 37. Thus definite and precise is the word of God in reference to our acts and words; and thus constantly are we to guard against the everpresent danger of sinning therein. But what of our thoughts, those unexpressed and invisible messengers that hold council in our own bosoms? May they become tainted with sin? Yes; even here sin may enter; and here too we must erect our works to bar it out. In what way may we sin here? By harboring unprofitable thoughts. "The thought of foolishness," says the wisest of men, "is sin." Prov. 24:9. We are not to let over anxious thoughts for the future disturb us. Matt. 6:25. Simon sinned in thinking that the Holy Ghost might be purchased with money; and Peter said to him, Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Acts 8:22. Vain thoughts are to be hated. Ps. 119:113. The unrighteous must forsake his thoughts, as well as his wicked ways. Isa. 55:7. The Psalmist prayed that not only the words of his mouth, but also the meditation of his heart might be acceptable in the sight of his Lord. But might not wicked thoughts and temptations arise, it will be asked, and yet not be sin? Assuredly; but they are not sin simply because we do not harbor them. The state of the converted person is well defined by the apostle, as that in which every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5. And when every