THERE is a mighty power in silence, and silence is frequently an evidence of power. There are many men so weak that they cannot hold their tongues, or keep their mouths shut. The man who offends not in word is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body. He who can control his tongue can control his entire nature. Hence silence is a token of power, of reserved force. He who knows how to keep silence knows how to speak; and often his silence is more impressive than his speech. "Brilliant flashes of silence" is by no means a senseless expression. How often have we seen the babble of the foolish hushed by the silent glance of an earnest soul; how often a ribald jest or scurrilous word has died upon the lips, when an indignant silence was the only reply it could evoke. That man or that woman who can stand silent amid reproaches and accusations and sneers and scoffs, shows a degree of strength and power which falls not to the lot of every one. We have the highest examples for our imitation in this respect. There was One who was set forth as the pattern of humanity, who "was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearer is dumb, so he opened not his mouth." Amid the babble and the scoffing, the perjury of lying witnesses and the jeers of mocking soldiers, the silent sufferer wore his thorny crown and bore his bitter cross, and triumphed over all the malice of his foes. Does God call us to suffer silently? Let us bear the burden that he lays upon us. Are we surrounded with the confused noise of babbling voices? Let us remember "There is a time to be silent;" and let us so speak with well-chosen words, seasoned with grace, that both our speech and our silence shall be approved of God and precious in the sight of his people.—The Christian.