December 28

Praying always with all prayer, . . . and watching thrccunto. — EPH. vi. 18.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. — MATT. xxvi. 41.

THE disciples were under trial in Gethsemane. They had entered the garden, doubtless, with deep concern for the Master, but the simplest temptation speedily overcame them. Hidden to watch with their Lord, they slept. Any other form of danger might have been more easily predicted. Had they been cautioned they would have answered in Jesus' own words, "What! can we not watch with thee one hour?" But now they have no excuse to offer till divine love reveals the source of weakness and its remedy. What ample empha- sis for the admonition to the habit of watchfulness with prayer!

Drowsiness is the easy path to disloyalty. The disciple must watch himself if he would be fitted to watch with Christ. He may have been waiting to become involved in some large undertaking, and yet find himself asleep before some very humble duty. David prayed to be upheld with a willing spirit; but the most willing spirit has a heavy drag upon it in the weakness of the flesh. Our petitions too depend upon our watchfulness. The wary eye, that is keenest to discern its special dangers, is always the eye most readily, intelli- gently, and prevailingly turned "to the hills whence cometh strength."

J. H. W. L. L.

O gracious God, in whom I live,

My feeble efforts aid!

Help me to watch and pray and strive,

Though trembling and afraid!

ANNE STEELE.