June 25

He hath prepared for them a city.—Hebrews 11:16.

AS God has prepared a city, do I bear in mind that all who would enter it must be a prepared people; and that if I would attain to its blessedness, I must live a prepared life? Am I working the works God has given me to do? Am I endeavoring to lay up my treasure in heaven? By a life of faith and holy obedience, do I show that I am seeking the city that hath eternal foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God?

The great Counselor bids us follow at his beck, often through clouds and darkness, promising eternal sunshine on the other side, in the prepared city. There we shall see how every rough wind has but hastened our bark nearer to the desired haven.—T. BROOKS.

If there be such glory in God's footstool on earth, what will there be in his throne? If he gives us so much in the land of our pilgrimage, what will he not give us in our own country? If so much to his enemies on earth, what will he not give to his friends in heir everlasting home in heaven?—SPENCER.

Onward! the goal that thou seekest, Is worthy the quest of a life; And love can give to the weakest, Courage and strength for the strife. Onward, our cry for ever, Till the glorious goal be won, 'Mid the brightness, fading never, Of heaven's unclouded sun!