July 6

I will run in the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.—Psalms 119:32.

DO I bear in mind that the Christian life is a race; and the way in which we are to run, is the way of God's commandments? Do I endeavor to keep the end in view, and to press on earnestly toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Is it my earnest desire, not only to walk, but to run with diligence the race set before me, looking unto Jesus, as both the Author and Finisher of the faith? Do I run with sincerity of heart, with earnestness of purpose, with speed of progress, with vigor of pursuit?

Always add; always run; always proceed. Neither stand still, nor go back, nor deviate. He that standeth still, proceedeth not; he that goeth back, continueth not; he that deviateth, revolteth; he goeth better that even creepeth in his way, than he that moveth out of his way.—AUGUSTINE.

The following of the soul after Christ is the effect of his grace. We never should run after him, if he did not draw us. But when he, by his word and his Spirit, draws us, then we shall run after him.

Bought with thy service and thy blood,

We doubly, Lord, are thine;

To thee our lives we would devote;

To thee our death resign.

Thy covenant, through our changing days,

Shall be our strength and stay;

Shall cheer our pathway to the tomb,

And guide to endless day.—DODBRIDGE.