July 3

I sleep, but my heart waketh.—SOL. Song of Solomon 5:2.

DO I watch against everything like spiritual coldness, knowing that if allowed at all, it will soon gain ground, to the exclusion of growth in godliness? If, at times, I am tempted to neglect duty, or to allow a desire for ease and self-indulgence, do I prayerfully strive against it? Even if spiritual torpor should steal over me, do I not find that my heart is awake, and that my conscience still speaks, showing that Christ is still calling me to be up and doing, and to be active in his service?

We must be diligent, devoted, earnest in our Master's service, if we would be kept from being cold, and lifeless, and useless. We should be too active to stagnate; too busy to freeze. There is work enough always to be done; and the injunction is, that we do with our might what our hands find to do.

None shall be saved by Christ, but those only who work out their own salvation while God is working in them. We cannot do without God; and he will not do without us.—MATTHEW HENRY.

Settle it in your heart, that it is the sum of all your business and blessedness, to live to God.—J. WESLEY.

Whate'er pursuits my time employ, One thought shall fill my soul with joy; That silent, earnest thought shall be, That all my joys be found in thee, And all my hopes shall rest on thee, On thee, my God, on thee!