July 16

Arise and depart, for this is not your rest.—Micah 2:10.

DO I realize that this world is polluted through sin, and endeavor so to live as to keep myself unspotted from its influence? Do I watch against its corruptions? Is my heart—are my hopes—are my treasures in heaven? Or do I seek my happiness and rest in the things of time and sense? Do I look upon the world, and live in it, as if it were to be permanently my abiding place? Or do I regard it, as it was designed to be, but as a mere passway to a home eternal in the heavens?

Do not look downward, Christian; your home is above; your Father above; your Saviour above; your dearest friends, the companions you love, and the righteous nation to which you belong—all are above. Look not down, then; but lift up your head, for your redemption draweth nigh.—CHAMPNEYS.

If we live with God here below, we shall live with him above. If we make the world a field of labor for God, and a sphere of usefulness to men, we shall not be in danger from its allurements and temptations. If our hearts on earth are filled with the spirit of heaven, we soon shall enter there.—W. JAY.

Fond earth! proportion not my seeming love

To my long stay. Let not my thoughts deceive me. Thou art my prison, and my home's above;

My life's a preparation but to leave thee. Like one that seeks a door, I walk about thee. With thee I cannot live; I cannot live without thee!

—QUARLES