August 15

Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.—1 Samuel 3:9.

DO I listen to the voice of God, in his word, in his providence, by his Spirit, in all his dealings and dispensations? Do I follow the teachings of that voice, humbly and earnestly asking what the Lord would have me to think, and feel, and be, and do? Do I desire entire conformity to the divine will, and always to be filled with the divine Spirit? Do I endeavor to keep down self-will, and to bring it in all things into subjection to the will of God? From my heart, can I say, "Not my will, but thine be done"?

Religion, in its rise, interests us almost exclusively about ourselves. In its progress, it engages us about the welfare of our fellow-men. In its more advanced stages, it animates us to look to God's will in all things, and to exalt, to the utmost, the honor and will of God.—C. SIMEON.

The highest and most acceptable service we can render to God, is to be willing either to do or suffer his will, as to him may seem best. The former we may share with angels and ransomed spirits. The latter is reserved for the saints on earth; and in it God manifests himself, with peculiar love and tenderness, to their souls.—LONGDEN.

Speak to my heart, and let no sage's word,

No teacher thee beside, explain thy law.

Let every soul, before thy presence, Lord,

Bow down before thee, in deep, silent awe,

And let thy voice—thy voice alone, be heard!