July 12

All things are of God.—2 Corinthians 5:18.

AM I in the constant habit of tracing all things to God? Do I recognize his providence in all events; seek his guidance in every duty; see his hand in every joy; and acknowledge it in every sorrow? Does it make trouble easier to bear that it comes from him? Is joy sweeter because he sends, and duty because he commands it? In all my ways do I so acknowledge him, that I can claim the promise, that he will direct my steps?

By him are all things, and in him do all things consist. Every object in nature is impressed with his footsteps, and every day repeats the wonders of creation. There is not an object, be it pebble or pearl, weed or rose, the flower-spangled sward beneath, or the star-spangled sky above, not a worm or an angel, a drop of water or a boundless ocean, in which intelligence may not discern, and piety adore, the providence of him who took our nature that he might save our souls.—GUTHRIE.

Though to-day may not fulfill All thy hopes, have patience still; For perchance to-morrow's sun Sees the happier days begun; As God willeth, march the hours, Bringing joy, at last, in showers, When whate'er we ask is ours.

—LYRA GERMANICA.