July 25

The knoweth the way that I take. — JOB xxiii. 10.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. — REV. iii. 15, 16.

HOW searching are the eyes of God, "discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart"! How naked our souls "to him with whom we have to do"! His vision is both telescopic and microscopic, seeing us afar off and magnifying our actions in their true light. Where art thou? he asks us as he did Adam. What doest thou here? he asks as he did Elijah. We are to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith or not. In the light of eternity where do I stand? Am I a Laodicean, and lukewarm? Once my faith was bright and warm: now but a few dying embers left. Have I just enough religion to lull my conscience into a false security? Lukewarm: he wants me to be either cold or hot (boiling, fervent) rather than lukewarm; yes, even cold (ice cold), rather than lukewarm. Does our text mean he would rather have me no Christian than a lukewarm professor? No, it does not question the state as much as the tendency of my heart. Lukewarmness, if I am going from cold to hot, is desirable: but if I am passing from hot to cold, it is worse than coldness. What says the thermometer: which way points the barometer of my heart? Am I inclining to evil or to good, — growing in grace or in evil? Lord, help me to return to thee! "The peaceful hours I once enjoyed," may they return with richer, fuller peace! "Oh, for a closer walk with God!" Take a coal from off thine altar, dearest Lord, and warm my heart with holy fire.

Jane S. Good

Low at thy feet my soul would lie; Here safety dwells, and peace divine. Still let me live beneath thine eye, For life, eternal life is thine.

ANNE STEELE.