June 6

Who hath despised the day of small things?—Zechariah 4:10.

DO I feel the vast importance of little things, whether in ordinary life, or in matters of re- ligion? Am I careful to encourage, not to repress even the faintest strugglings after good, whether in myself, or in others? Do I feel that God does not despise the day of small things; that the bruised reed he will not break, and the smoking flax he will not quench, till he bring forth judgment unto victory? In little things, as well as great, do I strive to serve him?

He that despiseth small things, shall fall by little and little.—ECCLESIASTICUS.

In all the history of our Saviour, there is not one wrathful sentence—not one speech of condemnation for the weak and sorrowing. He had sympathy and compassion for all infirmities; for sorrow, for sickness, for all who were penitent. He encouraged the feeblest and weakest to come to him.—J. BATE.

Sow when the morning breaketh, In beauty o'er the land; And when the evening falleth, Withhold not thou thine hand. Sow though the rock repel thee, In its cold and sterile pride; Some cleft there may be riven, Where the little seed may hide.