June 26

Take heed unto thyself.—1 Timothy 4:16.

HAVE I taken heed to myself in the highest sense, by going to Christ for salvation? Do I rest all my hopes on him? Do I take heed that my life and conduct be such as become a follower of Jesus—a child of the most high God? Is my faith founded on the teachings of God's word, and my life conformed to its precepts? Do I endeavor to lead others to the only divine way of truth and duty?

Whatever a man may be doing, as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. If his aims are low, and his plans worldly, so is he. If his motives are pure, and his purposes high and heavenly, so is he. And as he is, so is his work.—RUSKIN.

A religious life involves self-denial, and constant watchfulness. We have to beware of the world without, and take heed to ourselves within. Our wills, desires, affections, habits, lives, are to be conformed to the will of God; and that from the full conviction, that what he wills is the perfection of virtue and right, and at the same time our happiness. *

Tremblers beside the opening grave,

Father! we call on thee to save,

By power divine!

In mercy hear our suppliant breath;

Keep us, through faith, in life or death,

Thine, only thine!