How shall I run my race and not stumble? how shall I have Christ's approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily put by every child of God to his own soul. Character In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the "flies of death" in the apothecary's ointment (Eccles. 10:1); but in the Lord Jesus all excellences are blended in full perfection and harmony: He is the "altogether lovely" (Song Sol. 5:16). But oh for a conversion of saints!—that we who are renewed, anointed, and sealed by the Spirit of God; that we in whom dwells that Holy Spirit of promise, who are the temple of God—might be altogether like our Lord, altogether pleasing to Him Blessed be God His people Israel must be by-and-by His delightsome child knowing and doing His will. (Isa. 62) Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love. We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are. It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. "I dwell," says Jehovah, "in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." (Isa. 57:15.) If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certain _rightness of character_, so that we shall have the ready grace for every circumstance. God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what it may. Obedience David was keeping sheep in the wilderness with no eye upon him but God's. In prompt obedience to his father he went to the valley of Elah, taking loaves and cheeses to his brethren: if we are content to serve God in mean things, God will bring us forth in greater. In the valley of Elah was Goliath ready for David's sling. (1 Sam. 17:17-23.) Obedience to Christ brings upon us opposition from Satan, the world, the flesh in ourselves, and the unbelief, ignorance, and lack of mind of Christ in our brethren. To meet all these aright, let it be our business, even in the smallest matters, _to please Christ_, that we may have His power and His truth for our strength and guidance. He trod this path before us, and has also given His Holy Spirit to lead us and to comfort us through the journey. The highest attainment in the spiritual life is to be able always and in all things to say, "Thy will be done!" Gen. 22 gives us a perfect sample of the obedience of faith. There is no prevailing against our enemies without full obedience to God. When Israel must fight, Joshua must take heed that they are keeping God's commandments. (See Joshua 7) He that allows himself in small sins will at length break out in great ones: be it our business, then, to watch against the beginnings of departure from God, or these will surely lead to bitter endings. The Word of the Lord, and the attentive ear of the faithful servant, are all we need to carry us safely and happily onward.