December 12

Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.—2 Peter 1:10.

DO I feel that conversion is but the first step in the divine life, and that constant earnestness and diligence are needful, if I would press on in the narrow way? Am I diligent in studying the truth, that I may know the will of God; diligent in doing that will so soon as I know it; diligent in prayer for divine light and assistance; diligent in resisting temptation, and overcoming the world, and denying self, that I may live entirely for God?

All the employments and avocations of life are intended to be, and if rightly viewed, will be, to us, means of grace, as truly the gate of heaven to the soul as the sanctuary itself. If in them we endeavor to serve and please God, they will develop our Christian graces, and strengthen our Christian character, and give us the very discipline and training that as good and faithful servants we need, and so prepare us for acceptance at the last great day.

Firm, faithful, watching unto prayer,

Our Master's voice we will obey;

Toil in the vineyard here, and bear

The heat and burden of the day.

Then, Lord for us a resting-place,

In heaven, at thy right hand, prepare;

And till we see thee, face to face,

Be all our conversation there!

—J MONTGOMERY.