January 19

Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest.—Psalms 55:6.

IS my present life such as becomes one who hopes soon to exchange its toils and troubles for perfect and everlasting rest? Does the thought of being for ever with the Lord, make heaven dear to me? When weary with the labors, and pressed with the burdens of the day, does the knowledge that they will soon be ended, help me to work more diligently, bear more cheerfully, and look forward more hopefully, and thankfully, to the end?

Many persons wish to enjoy heaven at last, who have no desire to be heavenly-minded yet. They would like the rest and blessedness of heaven, but have no wish for that holiness which is the only preparation for enjoying heaven, and the only evidence of fitness for it. *

"My chief conception of heaven," said Robert Hall, "is rest," "and mine," said Wilberforce, "is love." It is both. It is the union of perfect love with perfect rest: of love going forth in holy service, and rest in the service and blessedness of perfect love. *

One sweetly solemn thought, comes to me o'er and o'er, I'm nearer to my home to-day, than ever I've been before!

Nearer my Father's house, where the many mansions be;

Nearer the great white throne, nearer the jasper sea! Nearer the bound of life, where I lay my burdens down: Nearer leaving each cross of grief: nearer to wearing my crown!—PHŒBE CART.