May 23

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.—Exodus 14:15.

HAVE I taken the first step in the divine life? If so, am I making progress in it; advancing in the knowledge of truth, and in the faithful performance of duty? Is sin more and more crucified: my heart's idols one by one abolished: the world less, and eternity more to me? Is Christ's image daily more impressed on my character, and his love more enthroned in my heart? If faint, am I pursuing? And if pursuing, is it in the power of his might?

There is no standing still in the life of faith. No grace will bring thee to heaven without perseverance: not faith, if it be faint and frail; not love, if it decline and wax cold; not humility, if it continue not; not obedience, not repentance, not patience, no, nor any other grace, except they have their perfect work. It is not enough to begin well, except we end well.—T. BROOKS.

Haste thee on from grace to glory,

Armed with faith, and winged with prayer;

Heaven's eternal day before thee;

God's own hand shall guide thee there.

Soon shall close thine earthly mission;

Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days;

Hope shall change to glad fruition,

Faith to sight, and prayer to praise!

—MONTGOMERY.