October 24

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them—John 13:17.

HAVE I that well-founded, and satisfying, and abiding happiness, which comes from knowing and doing the will of God? Do I receive his truth in love, and endeavor to obey his commands, and seek to cherish his Spirit, and believe in the wisdom and goodness of his providence, and firmly rely on his promises, and try to live for his glory? If so, have I not the very elements of happiness within me, and how can I do otherwise than rejoice in God, and joy in the rock of my salvation?

Happiness is like manna: it is to be sought from God, and gathered in grains, and enjoyed every day, as we press on in the way to which we are pointed by the divine command. It will not keep; it cannot be accumulated; it is not to be sought in remote places, or out of ourselves; but in our daily path, where, if we walk with God, he will rain it down, as we need it, from heaven.

"I hear you have given up all your pleasures," said a man of the world to a friend who had been converted. "No," said the other, "I never knew what pleasure was till now; and as I have tried the pleasures both of sin and religion, while you have only tried the former, I ought to be the best judge."—WISE.

To take a glimpse within the veil,

To know that Christ is mine,

Are springs of joy that never fail,

Unspeakable, divine.—J. NEWTON.