A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, but the best life of Christ is His living biography, written out in the words and actions of His people. If we were what we profess to be, and what we should be, we would be pictures of Christ; yea, such striking likenesses of Him that the world would not have to hold us up by the hour together, and say, "Well, it seems somewhat of a likeness": but they would, when they once beheld us, exclaim, "He has been with Jesus; he has been taught of Him; he is like Him; he has caught the very idea of the holy Man of Nazareth, and he works it out in his life and every day actions."--_Spurgeon._ =October 4th.= _Be not afraid, only believe. Mark v. 36._ Be not downcast if difficulties and trials surround you in your heavenly life. They may be purposely placed there by God to train and discipline you for higher developments of faith. If He calls you to "toiling in rowing," it may be to make you the hardier seaman, to lead you to lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and, above all, to drive you to a holier trust in Him who has the vessel and its destinies in His hand, and who, amid gathering clouds and darkened horizon and crested billows is ever uttering the mild rebuke to our misgivings--"Said I not unto thee, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God."--_Macduff._ =October 5th.= _Happy is the man whom God correcteth. Job v. 17._ Happy, because the correction is designed to bring him into paths of blessedness and peace. Happy, because there is no unnecessary severity in it. Happy, because the chastisement is not so much against us, as against our most cruel enemies--our sins. Happy, because we have abundant words of consolation. Happy, because whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. Happy, because our light affliction is but for a moment.--_George Bowen._ =October 6th.= _When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matt. ii. 10._ We who look for Jesus ought to be joyful; it is no credit to our Lord when we look as though we were seeking His grave. The dull looks of Christ's followers have injured Him in the sight of the world. Let us, then, smile as we go, for we have the star if we will look up and put ourselves in the right path.--_Thos. Champness._ =October 7th.= _When I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me. Micah vii. 8._ If you are willing to choose the seeming darkness of faith instead of the illumination of reason, wonderful light will break out upon you from the Word of God.--_A. J. Gordon._ =October 8th.= _I (Daniel) was left alone, and saw this great vision. Dan. x. 8._ Solitude is the antechamber of God; only one step more and you can be in His immediate presence.--_Landor._ =October 9th.= _Come and dine. John xxi. 12._