November 29

To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.—James 4:17.

DO I realize that omissions may as truly be sins, as commissions; and that for both we are to give account at the judgment? Do I bear in mind that those who do not the good they know they ought to do, and those who do the evil they ought not to do, are alike guilty, and will alike be condemned? Do I seek to have my conscience rightly informed and taught by the word of God, and then to follow its dictates? Do I always seek to know and do what is right?

Sins of commission are the usual punishment for sins of omission. He that leaves a duty, may well fear that he will be left to commit a crime.—GURNALL.

We may lose heaven by neutrality, as well as by hostility;—by wanting oil to our lamps, as well as by taking poison. The unprofitable servant will as surely be punished as the disobedient and rebellious servant. Undone duty will undo the soul.—BOWES.

The last words of the excellent and industrious archbishop Usher were, "Lord, in special forgive me my sins of omission."

Omit no duty; ever pray and work;

Say from the heart thy will be done, and then

Go forth and do it. Life, if rightly lived,

Is one long orison. All faculties,

Employed as God would have them, are but steps

Upon the stairs by which we climb to heaven!