September 27

Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.—Matthew 5:9.

DO I remember that God is the God and Author of peace, and that he commands us to live in peace, and to promote it among others? Do I desire and seek and delight in peace? Do I endeavor to smooth away rough and jarring points, to make the best of annoying occurrences, to do what I can to soften prejudices, and reconcile differences, and turn enemies into friends? Does the peace of God rule in my heart, and is it evident in my life? Do I hope and expect to inherit the blessing of the peacemakers?

If religion has done nothing for your temper, it has done nothing for your soul.—CLAYTON.

Too many have no idea of the subjection of their temper to the influence of religion. And yet what is changed, if the temper is not? If a man is as passionate, malicious, resentful, sullen, moody, or morose, after his conversion as before it, what is he converted from, or to?—J. A. JAMES.

Sow love, and taste its fruitage sweet;

Sow smiles, and see the desert spring;

Sow wisdom for its harvest meet;

Sow sunlight for the joy 'twill bring.

As fast the swift-winged moments speed,

Freight them with peace, and truth and love,

With garnered sheaves of thought and seed,

For the glad harvest-home above.—BROWNE.