April 14

We must, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God.—Acts 14:22.

DO I bear in mind that if I would wear the crown I must bear the cross? And does this thought, instead of enervating and depressing, rather rouse and nerve me for the Christian conflict? Does the fact that suffering is the badge of sonship, reconcile me to trials that otherwise it would be impossible to bear? Do I remember that though God's children may long walk in the vale of trial, they shall soon ascend from it to the unclouded glories of heaven?

Affliction is the divine school of virtue; it corrects levity, interrupts the confidence of sinning, and softens and purifies the heart.—ATTERBURY.

We are not to expect the joys of heaven while here on earth. Let us be content that there is a highway to its blessedness for us to walk in, and a Leader to conduct us in that way.—CECIL.

Griefs may trouble and distress thee,

'Twill but drive thee to his breast;

Life with trials hard may press thee,

Heaven will bring but sweeter rest.

Haste thee on from grace to glory,

Armed by faith and winged by prayer;

Heaven's eternal day before thee,

God's own hand shall guide thee there.

—H. F. LYTE.