Part 60 (1/2)

G. TERSTEEGEN.

Wait patiently, trust humbly, depend only upon, seek solely to a G.o.d of Light and Love, of Mercy and Goodness, of Glory and Majesty, ever dwelling in the inmost depth and spirit of your soul. There you have all the secret, hidden, invisible Upholder of all the creation, whose blessed operation will always be found by a humble, faithful, loving, calm, patient introversion of your heart to Him, who has His hidden heaven within you, and which will open itself to you, as soon as your heart is left wholly to His eternal, ever-speaking Word, and ever-sanctifying Spirit within you.

Beware of all eagerness and activity of your own natural spirit and temper.

Run not in any hasty ways of your own. Be patient under the sense of your own vanity and weakness; and patiently wait for G.o.d to do His own work, and in His own way.

WM. LAW.

November 19

_If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain_.--JAMES i. 26.

_I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue_.--PS.

x.x.xix. I.

No sinful word, nor deed of wrong, Nor thoughts that idly rove; But simple truth be on our tongue, And in our hearts be love.

ST. AMBROSE.

Let us all resolve,--First, to attain the grace of SILENCE; Second, to deem all FAULT-FINDING that does no good a SIN, and to resolve, when we are happy ourselves, not to poison the atmosphere for our neighbors by calling on them to remark every painful and disagreeable feature of their daily life; Third, to practise the grace and virtue of PRAISE.

HARRIET B. STOWE.

Surrounded by those who constantly exhibit defects of character and conduct, if we yield to a complaining and impatient spirit, we shall mar our own peace without having the satisfaction of benefiting others.

T. C. UPHAM.

November 20

_Ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the--will of G.o.d, ye might receive the promise_.--HEB. x. 36.

Sweet Patience, come: Not from a low and earthly source,-- Waiting, till things shall have their course,-- Not as accepting present pain In hope of some hereafter gain,-- Not in a dull and sullen calm,-- But as a breath of heavenly balm, Bidding my weary heart submit To bear whatever G.o.d sees fit: Sweet Patience, come!

HYMNS OF THE CHURCH MILITANT.

Patience endues her scholars with content of mind, and evenness of temper, preventing all repining grumbling, and impatient desires, and inordinate affections; disappointments here are no crosses, and all anxious thoughts are disarmed of their sting; in her habitations dwell quietness, submission, and long-suffering, all fierce turbulent inclinations are hereby allayed. The eyes of the patient fixedly wait the inward power of G.o.d's providence, and they are thereby mightily enabled towards their salvation and preservation.

THOMAS TRYON.

November 21

_Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of G.o.d_.--MATT. iv. 4.