May 31

N.t slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.—Romans 12:11.

DO I bear in mind that the common business of life, as well as its devotional duties, is meant to be a means of grace to me? Into all my business, do I carry the spirit of religion? And in all my religion am I as diligent and earnest as in the most important business? In both do I aim faithfully to serve the Lord? Do I sanctify all my occupations and employments by engaging in them as for Christ, and that I may act as his good and faithful servant?

Remember that the life of man is only to be valued for its usefulness.—BISHOP WILSON.

All the cares, anxieties, duties and toils of life, so far from being hindrances to grace, are designed to be, and to a right spirit are but the means of its development and growth. The pulpit may teach the way of duty, but life is the school in which we are taught to practice it. Every duty is a call to Christian effort; every trial, a summons to patience and submission, and the whole of life but a training school for eternity. *

All may of Thee partake, Nothing so small may be, But draws, when acted for thy sake, Greatness and worth from thee; If done beneath thy laws, E'en servile labors shine; Hallowed all toil, if this the cause, The meanest work, divine.

—GEORGE HERBERT.