The Lord loves to manifest peculiar tenderness towards those who have been brought low, even though it may have been through their own folly. "Go tell His disciples, and Peter." (Mark 16:7.) Evil Speaking We shall not escape the tongues of others, unless we first escape from self-love and self-flattery. No sword so sharp as the tongue. Only the bridling of the heart can effectually bridle the lips. The backbiter is one who maliciously speaks evil of others; the babbler does so through lack of the thoughtfulness of love. Deep and Silent Work What is most precious in the sight of God is often least noticed by men. The work of the Holy Ghost is often most mighty when least of its power is seen by the common eye. Judas working miracles, and king Saul prophesying, were not such proofs of the Spirit's power as the tears of Peter after he had denied his Lord. If we would be strong we must make pleasing God our business: then what adversary can harm us? Before our knowledge can be of much profit to others it must become a channel of our own soul's communion with God in secret. How needful is it to take heed to our ways, to seek counsel, not only of God, but of those who are faithful and prudent! Satan watches for our halting, and entangles us by little and little; questionable things first, then things plainly evil. Great sins may spring out of little trespasses. That confession to others which is frequent and unasked, is seldom deep before God. They are most alive to snares and temptations who by reason of walking with God are most blameless: we rarely see the snare when entangled therein. David, Elijah, and others, obtained victories over themselves in solitude, and there had power with God: when afterwards they came forth, how calmly did they undertake the greatest things, and how easily perform them! How great a victory was that which Jonathan must have gained over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him! He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learnt to delight in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine him, but another faithful man raised up for God and for Israel. Not so Joab, who in hellish jealousy slew his kinsman Amasa. (1 Sam. 23:17; 2 Sam. 20:9.10.) To _have_ nothing, and to _be_ nothing, this is riches, quietness, rest. Little Things Who would have thought that from Pharaoh's daughter going to bathe in the river of Egypt would spring the deliverance of Israel? The mind of Christ in us is chiefly to be seen in _little things_. To walk before God in the every-day matters of life, and to have our words and actions savoured daily with the name of Jesus, this is true holiness. In the least matters what need there is of looking upwards! I ought not to write a note without looking up to God, seeking His help; for I can write folly enough in one sentence to cause myself and others disquietude for months.