In the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in His quiver bath He hid me; and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. ISA. xlix. 2, 3. IT THE glory is not in the task, but in JEAN INGELOW. T is wholly impossible to live according to Divine order, and to make a proper application of heavenly principles, as long as the necessary duties which each day brings seem only like a burden grievous to be borne. Not till we are ready to throw our very life's love into the troublesome little things can we be really faithful in that which is least and faithful also in much. Every day that dawns brings something to do, which can never be done as well again. We should, therefore, try to do it ungrudgingly and cheerfully. It is the Lord's own work, which He has given us as surely as He gives us daily bread. We should thank Him for it with all our hearts, as much as for any other gift. It was designed to be our life, our happiness. Instead of shirking it or hurrying over it, we should put our whole heart and soul into it. JAMES REED. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I THESS. V. 17, 18. L As Thou, Lord, an immortal soul So let my soul be breathing forth JOHN MASON. ET us not be content to pray morning and evening, but let us live in prayer all day long. Let this prayer, this life of love, which means death to self, spread out from our seasons of prayer, as from a centre, over all that we have to do. All should become prayer, that is, a loving consciousness of God's presence, whether it be social intercourse or business. Such a course as this will ensure you a profound peace. FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON. How are we to fulfil our Lord's injunction, "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint"? By the heart's prayer, which consists in a constant habitual love of God, trusting Him, submitting in all things to His will; and by giving a never failing heed to His voice, as heard within the conscience. JEAN NICOLAS GROU. It is good that a man quietly wait for the salvaLAM. iii. 26. tion of the Lord. T IN TO Thy silent place of prayer ANNA L. WARING. AKE time to be separate from all friends and all duties, all cares and all joys; time to be still and quiet before God. Take time not only to secure stillness from man and the world, but from self and its energy. Let the Word and prayer be very precious; but remember, even these may hinder the quiet waiting. The activity of the mind in studying the Word, or giving expression to its thoughts in prayer, the activities of the heart, with its desires and hopes and fears, may so engage us that we do not come to the still waiting on the All-Glorious One. Though at first it may appear difficult to know how thus quietly to wait, with the activities of mind and heart for a time subdued, every effort after it will be rewarded; we shall find that it grows upon us, and the little season of silent worship will bring a peace and a rest that give a blessing not only in prayer, but all the day. ANDREW MURRAY. Be ye kind one to another. - EPH. iv. 32. HE remedy for sadness is prayer. But as sadness broods in selfishness, and is inclined to rest rather in our own un happy thoughts than on prayer with reluctance. God, the soul turns to one must first turn to God by vocal prayer, persevering in which that reluctance will be overcome; and as the sadness subsides, the spirit will enter anew into the heart of prayer. The second remedy against sadness is to break out of it by some external act of kindness or generosity. For the malady consists in a morbid concentration upon one's self, and a brooding within one's self that repels sympathy and kindness, as being adverse to this melancholy mood, a mood that can only be cherished in isolation of spirit. But let the will make a little effort to be kind and considerate towards another; and it is amazing how soon that malignant charm is broken that held the soul spell-bound to her saddened thoughts and imaginary grievances. A smile, a kind look, a few gentle words, a considerate action, though begun with effort, will suffice to open the soul, and set the spirit free from its delusion. WILLIAM BERNARD ULLATHORne. To cultivate kindness is a great part of the business of life. SAMUEL JOHNSON. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any and lead me in the way ever wicked way lasting. A in me, Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24. M I really I be? Am I what, in the bottom of my heart, I honestly wish to be? Am I living a life at all like what I myself approve? My secret nature, the true complexion of my character, is hidden from all men, and only I know it. Is it such as I should be willing to show? Is my soul at all like what my kindest and most intimate friends believe? Is my heart at all such as I should wish the Searcher of Hearts to judge me by? Is every year adding to my devotion, to my unselfishness, to my conscientiousness, to my freedom from the hypocrisy of seeming so much better than I am? When I compare myself with last year, am I more ready to surrender myself at the call of duty? am I more alive to the commands of conscience? have I shaken off my besetting sins?" These are the questions which this season of Lent ought to find us putting fairly and honestly to our hearts. FREDERICK TEMPLE. |