November 8

Whatsoeber he saith unto you, do it.—JOHN ii. 5.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.—MATT. v. 19.

WHATEVER we do is a lesson. The breaking or teaching of a commandment is always a teaching of the same. The most trifling and concealed transgression declares itself in an evil influence upon others. The most insignificant and modest act of obedience instructs all and is an impulse to goodness.

Least and greatest in the kingdom! How shall we avoid falling so low, and how succeed in rising so high? Give heed to the little things. To be unfaithful in the least sinks us in spiritual degradation: to be faithful in the least lifts us to crowned eminence before God.

Oh, these conclusive little things! We step over them in our daily path and drop them on either side,—too trivial for notice. Yet they determine character and influence, acceptance and rank before God.

Each command gives opportunity to gain or lose position Where shall be our place,—low down or high up? That depends upon the day's, yea, the moment's, obedience. What shall be the reach of our influence,—narrow or wide? That depends upon immediate and constant example. Even a little faithfulness wins a large acknowledgment.

Edwin A. Bulkley

Give me to know thy will, O God!

And may I see to-day

A light from heaven upon my road

To clearly point the way!

That I may know just what to do

And what to leave undone,

And be unto thy service true

From dawn to setting sun.

THOMAS MACKELLAR.