January 2

This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the Lord.—JER. xiii, 25.

"Disappointment—His appointment." Change one letter, then I see That the thwarting of my purpose Is God's better choice for me. His appointment must be blessing, Tho' it may come in disguise, For the end from the beginning, Open to His wisdom lies.

"Disappointment—His appointment." "No good thing will He withhold," From denials oft we gather Treasures of His love untold. Well He knows, each broken purpose Leads to fuller, deeper trust. And the end of all His dealings Proves our God is wise and just.

Our situation and provision in this present life, as well as our future inheritance, are appointed by the only wise and righteous God; and we should learn to acknowledge His goodness with thankfulness, and be contented with our portion, whether more or less abundant; because He knows what is best for us, and we have far more than we deserve. The distinctions of property accord to the appointment of God, and must therefore be conscientiously maintained; nay, so far from fraudulently or violently attempting to intrench on them, we must not covet anything that is another's, nor envy his prosperity, but rejoice in it. We should, indeed, in all things be more happy, did we more diligently obey our God.

T. SCOTT.