September 28

Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a good courage that which hath befallen thee.— II ESDRAS x, 15.

Keep your troubles to yourself, Put them on an upper shelf; Far away as they may be Where no eye but God's can see.

Other people have their share Of affliction, pain, and care; Why should you, though sorely tried, Burden them with yours beside?

Give of treasures you possess, Loving care and tenderness, Cheerful smiles or sordid pelf, But keep your troubles to yourself.

JOSEPHINE POLLARD.

"It is better to go at once to Jesus with our difficulties. We are worried and perplexed. Why not tell Jesus first instead of running with our griefs to our friends? However willing they may be, they are often unable to help us. The Christian who has learned to lean on Jesus for counsel and comfort has learned the secret of the Lord—'the peace that passeth understanding.'"

Keep silence about your little worries, and you will retain the blessing they bring. Avoid expressions of murmurings, of weariness, in sufferings: they wither the fruits of patience, and rob you of the benefits of your trials.