October 5

Better is . . . he that ruleth his spirit, than h. that taketh a city.—Proverbs 16:32.

DO I endeavor habitually to rule my spirit, according to the teaching of God's word, and so as to honor him? Knowing how difficult it is to do this, do I keep the example of the Saviour before me, and strive to cherish his meekness, forbearance, patience and self-control? Do I pray for grace to aid me to a thorough self-knowledge, and in the arduous work of self-restraint? Do I constantly seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that every thought and feeling may be brought into captivity to the will of God?

He who reigns within himself, and rules his passions, desires and fears, is more than a king.—MILTON.

The best government, says Goethe, is that which teaches us to govern ourselves. And, says Pythagoras, no man is free who cannot command himself. And Seneca declares, that he is of all others the most powerful, who has himself in his own power. And says another, the worst education which teaches self-denial and self-control, is better than the best which teaches everything else, and not these. *

My Saviour lives! his life is mine

Then let my life be wholly his.

Rise up, my soul! with strength divine,

Tread down the sin that in thee is.

Be every passion, feeling, thought,

To Christ in full subjection brought;

Rule thou thyself; let grace divine,

Rule ever in this heart of thine.