December 10

The root of the matter is found in me.—Job 19:28.

DO I bear in mind that the living principle of grace in the heart is "the root of the matter" in God's sight, and that it is as necessary to the vitality of our religion as the root of the tree is to its life? Do repentance for sin, faith in Christ, and love to God and to his people, all evidenced in my life, show that I am, indeed, a child of God? Do I feel that it is all-important that I build on the only true foundation, and that real godliness is the one thing needful?

Grace is a spring whose waters fail not, though the streams of gifts may be dried up. He that did create it in us, will conserve it in us. Having begun the good work, he will finish it.—MEAD.

A religion which does not suffice to govern and control a man, will never suffice to save him. That which does not distinguish him from a wicked world, will never distinguish him from a perishing world.

The root of religion is the fear of God; the rule of religion is the law of God; the motive of religion is the love of God; the end of religion is to glorify God and enjoy him for ever.

Now, O my Saviour, gracious God,

My comfort, portion, rest,

Thou, none but thou, shall reign within my breast.

Call me to thee! call me thyself—oh speak,

And bid my heart to thee, whom most I seek.

Let this my joy, my life, my life-work be,

To die to self, to live, my Lord, to thee!

—TERSTREGEN.