February 5

There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.—2 Corinthians 12:7.

WHEN temptations or trials press upon my soul with the sharpness of thorns, do I remember that God sends, or permits them, to try my faith, and to keep me humble? And do I acknowledge his hand, and see his design in all, and pray for grace wisely to improve under the dealings of his providence, that they may lead me nearer to him, and better fit me for heaven?

Life has such hard conditions to us sinners, that every dear and precious gift, every rare virtue, every pleasant faculty, every genial endowment, love, hope, joy, wit, sprightliness, benevolence, must sometimes be put into the crucible to distill the one elixir—patience and submission.—DODGE.

Real Christian humility is a grace of the Spirit, and has its seat in the heart. It is gained more by believing on Christ and looking to him, than by dwelling upon our sins and unworthiness.

Thou knowest I need a cross to bear;

And needful strokes thou dost not spare, To keep me near thy side.

But when I see the chastening rod

In thy pierced hand, my Lord, my God, I then feel satisfied!—C. WILKINS.