February 24

Be careful for nothing.—Philippians 4:6.

IN the various changes, uncertainties, difficulties, and trials of life, do I endeavor to keep my mind free from anxious and distracting thoughts and fears? Do I draw the distinction between the proper care of effort and diligence, which is a duty, and the care of weak and sinful distrust, which only unfits the mind for serious thought? Do I bear in mind that it is alike the duty and privilege of the Christian to live without anxiety and corroding care, and that if I seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things needful and best will be added thereto?

Dust, by its own nature, can rise only so far above the road; and birds which fly higher, never have it on their wings. So the heart that flies high toward heaven escapes the little cares and vexations that brood upon the earth, but which cannot rise above it into the pure air of the upper world.—BEECHER.

We may easily manage, if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed for it. But the load will increase, and be too heavy for us, if we carry yesterday's burden over again to-day, and then add to-morrow's burden to the weight before we are required to bear it.—JOHN NEWTON.

O, ask not thou, "How shall I bear

The burden of to-morrow?"

Sufficient for the day its care,

Its evil and its sorrow.

Thy God imparteth by the way,

Strength that's sufficient for the day.