January 4

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.— Ps. xcii, 12.

The wind that blows can never kill

The tree God plants;

It bloweth east, it bloweth west,

The tender leaves have little rest;

But any wind that blows is best.

The tree God plants

Strikes deeper root, grows higher still,

Spreads wider boughs, for God's good will

Meets all its wants.

LILLIE E. BARR.

The degree of strength which He imparts will be greater or less, according to the nature of our trials. We have no idea how much we can endure, until the load is placed upon us. We know not how import- ant it is that we should be tried, until we have begun to reap the benefits, in after times. And let Christians remember that a barren profession is nothing worth. Many outward tokens may now appear which pass for works of righteousness, but they will be scattered and disappear, when the season of trial comes. Seek, therefore, to be "filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Be holy. Be useful. Be steadfast. Your reward will begin in this life, and it will be eternal and unfading in the next. JOHN N. NORTON.

"Live by the day: you will have trials and strength according to your need; leave to-morrow with the Lord. To-morrow may be eternity with you: there- fore, live as on the margin of eternity, as next door to heaven."