February 20

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.—Ps. xxvii, 13.

So hard, so hard to learn!

It has taken years upon years;

For the teaching seemed hard and stern,

And she could not see for tears.

So hard, so hard to learn!

She longed for the lighter task,

The poor weak heart would yearn

And the faltering lips would ask.

Ah! foolish heart! to seek

For a smoother, easier road,

A way is made for the meek

That will lead them straight to God.

T. M. BROWNE.

Let us be very careful of thinking, on the one hand, that we have no work assigned us to do, or, on the other hand, that what we have assigned to us is not the right thing for us. If ever we can say in our hearts to God, in reference to any daily duty, "This is not my place; I would choose something dearer; I am capable of something higher;" we are guilty not only of rebellion, but of blasphemy. It is equivalent to saying, not only, "My heart revolts against Thy commands," but "Thy commands are unwise; Thine Almighty guidance is unskillful; Thine omniscient eye has mistaken the capacities of Thy creature; Thine infinite love is indifferent to the welfare of Thy child."

ELIZABETH CHARLES.