If we can fight well in the closet, we shall walk happily with God in all His ways. We should begin our every day's journey with _Him_: and, comparing need with supply, shall we not take pleasure in infirmities and necessities? because Christ will thereby take occasion to magnify His grace, and to lead us to springs of consolation in Himself. Evil speaking has place in the heart before it escapes the lip. Happy they who never hang upon the creature's favour they who expect everything from God and nothing from man will have no disappointment. To be a true witness for Jesus I must be much in His company, hear His voice, and observe His ways. How can we know the character of one with whom we have but little intercourse? Humility helps us to know our pride; and if we would have the "rest" that is for the lowly, we must tread under foot our pride. (Matt. 11:29.) Those temptations which prove the most defiling are oft-times the least painful. When God's will rules in us, and overrules our will, we shall then indeed, but not till then, know the pleasures of _having our will_. (1 John 3:22; 5:14.15.) The Christian's path in the world is obedience to Christ; following Him, suffering for His sake. When we take part with the world to put it in order, and to make the crooked straight, we, as it were, take off our robes of heavenly priesthood to act as citizens of earth. We ought so to walk before the world, that the evil eye, looking for a blot, may find none. The people of the world are keen judges of what a child of God should be. Did the children of God walk worthy of God, they would no more seek worldly honours and glories than a king's son in his princely apparel would stitch thereon a beggar's rags. "Bless them that curse you" (Matt. 5:44). The deed of grace is to be done at the moment of receiving the injury. When the curse proceeds from the mouth of the enemy, let the blessing proceed from yours. Remember the words, "Father, forgive them," "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Lu. 23:34; Acts 7:60.) There is light for the pilgrim's path, though there be not an unclouded sky. If a man's heart were filled with Christ and His coming in glory, would it not be seen in all his ways,- whether in the family, the church, or the world? To be spiritually-minded is "life and peace" to ourselves: but how profitable to others also! That utterance and knowledge may be used aright, he that has them must walk with God. Let Christ be with you wherever you go, and let it be known that His presence is with you. Take good heed to your walk: God will care for your good name. God has great ends to answer by leaving His children in the world; even that they may be living witnesses for Him whom they love -- the unseen Lord Jesus. We should be ever giving thanks for such an office; and for our continuance on earth, that we may fulfil it. Let us be pilgrims, not by constraint, but by loving choice. Trial of the Servants of Christ