Part 62 (1/2)

H. W. SMITH.

November 29

_My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him_.--2 CHRON. xxix. 11.

Bright be my prospect as I pa.s.s along;-- An ardent service at the cost of all,-- Love by untiring ministry made strong, And ready for the first, the softest call.

A. L. WARING.

There are many things that appear trifles, which greatly tend to enervate the soul, and hinder its progress in the path to virtue and glory. The habit of indulging in things which our judgment cannot thoroughly approve, grows stronger and stronger by every act of self-gratification, and we are led on by degrees to an excess of luxury which must greatly weaken our hands in the spiritual warfare. If we do not endeavor to do that which is right in every particular circ.u.mstance, though trifling, we shall be in great danger of letting the same negligence take place in matters more essential.

MARGARET WOODS.

The will can only be made submissive by frequent self-denials, which must keep in subjection its sallies and inclinations. Great weakness is often produced by indulgences which seem of no importance.

M. DE MOLINOS.

November 30

_Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me?

hope thou in G.o.d; for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance_.--PS. xlii. 5.

_We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed_.--2 COR. iv. 8.

Oh, my soul, why art thou vexed?

Let things go e'en as they will; Though to thee they seem perplexed, Yet His order they fulfil.

A. H. FRANCKE.

The vexation, restlessness, and impatience which small trials cause, arise wholly from our ignorance and want of self-control. We may be thwarted and troubled, it is true, but these things put us into a condition for exercising patience and meek submission, and the self-abnegation wherein alone the fulness of G.o.d is to be found.

DE RENTY.

Every day deny yourself some satisfaction;--bearing all the inconveniences of life (for the love of G.o.d), cold, hunger, restless nights, ill health, unwelcome news, the faults of servants, contempt, ingrat.i.tude of friends, malice of enemies, calumnies, our own failings, lowness of spirits, the struggle in overcoming our corruptions;--bearing all these with patience and resignation to the will of G.o.d. Do all this as unto G.o.d, with the greatest privacy.

THOMAS WILSON.

December 1

_Charity envieth not, ... thinketh no evil_--I COR. xiii. 4, 5.

_Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother_?--ROM. xiv. 10.