January 15

Even Christ pleased not himself.—Romans 15:3.

OUGHT not the self-denial of Christ to be the most powerful and effective argument against selfishness in his followers? Do I seek my own comfort, ease, and pleasure before that of others? Is self-gratification or the good of others first in my thoughts? Do I cherish the spirit, and imitate the example of the Saviour in all my relations to my fellow-men?

To feel much for others, and little for ourselves, to restrain our selfish, and indulge our benevolent affections, to deny self that we may do good to all about us, is the perfection of human nature.—ADAM SMITH.

The will of God, is a path leading straight to him. Self-will is directly contrary to it: it leads from God. We must choose one or the other.—JOHN WESLEY.

I expect to go through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow-being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.—WM. PENN.

It was no path of flowers,

Through this dark world of ours,

Beloved of the Father, thou didst tread,

And shall we in dismay,

Shrink from the narrow way,

Though clouds and darkness are around it spread?