January 4

Set your affection on things above.—Colossians 3:2.

WHERE are my affections habitually set? Is it on things above, or on things here below? Am I living chiefly for this world, or for the next? What is there here that is worthy of my supreme love? What is there there, that is not? Do I not hope to dwell for ever there with my Saviour? And if my endless home is to be there, and my everlasting treasure there, should not my heart be there also?

The sure way of not being conformed to the world, is to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. "If the bushel is filled with wheat," says another, "you may defy the devil to fill it with tares." If the gaze be steadfastly fixed upon heaven, it will not be distracted with the things of time and sense.—JAY.

Lose not sight of Christ in this cloudy and dark day. He is the way—ever walk in him; the truth—ever receive his teachings; the life—every day so live that you may for ever live in him.—RUTHERFORD.

To fill your life with the spirit of heaven here, is the way to make sure of going to heaven hereafter.—THOMAS.

Whatever passes as a cloud between The mental eye of faith and things unseen, Causing that higher world to disappear, To seem less lovely, or its hopes less clear, That is our world, our idol, though it bear Affection's impress or devotion's air.—KEULE.