December 2

Love not the world.—1 John 2:15

HAVE I that new heart, and that new spirit, which lead me to find my highest enjoyment in God? Is my understanding enlightened, my conscience quickened, my affections purified and sanctified, my will in all things subordinate to the will of God? Has a higher love expelled the love of the world from my soul, or so broken its power that it is ever kept in its right place? Do I use the world as not abusing it, remembering how soon it will pass away?

To have a portion in the world, is a mercy; to have it for our portion would be ruin. The great use of this world is to make sure of the next.—J. MASON.

This world is but a school and training place for eternity. I will use it only as the pilgrim doth the hostelries and conveniences of the way, to speed me on my journey, and give the refreshment and strength I need for my pilgrimage. I will make the world but a stepping stone to heaven; not a millstone about my neck, to sink me down to hell.

The world is beauteous, like the rainbow bright, And if, like that, it point our eyes to heaven, And whisper of the promise, it is well. But if deluded, like the silly child, We seek to grasp, and feed ourselves upon it, It will but mock our hope, and lure us far From truth and duty, joy and lasting peace, And so from heaven!