February 3

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. —Matthew 26:41.

AM I sufficiently watchful against the power of temptation? And while I watch against it, do I earnestly pray to be kept from its influence? Is there not deep and special meaning in the repeated injunctions of Christ, that we do both? Do I study to know the sins that easily beset me within, and the perils to which I am exposed without? And for safety from both, do I both watch and pray?

Strive to make prayer and reading and holy company your delight, and little by little your soul shall be filled with the sweetness of Christ.—RUTHERFORD.

We should watch against dangers; watch for opportunities of usefulness; watch for all means of spiritual improvement and growth; watch for all sources of increase in the knowledge of Christ, and for all that may prepare us for heaven.—J. BATE.

We should act with as much energy as those who expect everything for themselves; and we should pray with as much earnestness as those who expect everything from God.—COLTON.

Seek thou thy God alone by prayer,

And thou mayest doubt, perchance despair;

But seek him by sincere endeavor,

And thou shalt find him gracious ever.

Let prayer and toil both seek thire end,

The blessing surely will descend.