January 5

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.—Ecclesiastes 9:10.

AM I not only intelligent but decided in religion, not halting between God and the world? Am I diligent and earnest in doing God's work in season and out of season, watching for opportunities, and not allowing them to slip from me through carelessness or love of ease? Do I pray and strive to be whole-hearted and faithful in the service of Christ, so that if death should come suddenly it may not find me sleeping?

If sorrow could enter heaven, if a sigh could be heard there, or a tear roll down the cheek of a saint in light, it would be for lost opportunities, for the time spent in neglect of God which might have been spent for his glory —PAYSON.

It may seem possible now, by avoiding all extremes and all thoroughness in religion or in worldliness, to conform to both; but in the day of separation it will be found to have been a failure for eternity—a failure as complete as it is disastrous and remediless.—BONAR.

Satan selects his disciples when they are idle, but Christ chose his while they were busy at their work, either mending their nets or casting them into the sea.—FARRENDON.

Fill up each hour with what will last,

Buy up the moments as they go;

The life above, when this is past,

Is the ripe fruit of life below.—BONAR.