o_, 1850.)

_Keep thy heart, with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of
life_.--(Proverbs iv. 23.)

We often are made to feel the force of this truth, when we have been
unwatchful, and some cross occurrence has tried our tempers. How often we
are made to see, and to show before others, what manner of spirit is in
as.....

Sometimes we are favored with such clear convictions of the worthlessness
of mere worldly possessions and pursuits, and such delightful realizations
of the happiness of seeking to do the Lord's work, that we are ready to
express our astonishment that any human beings can be found so foolish as
to devote their energies to the pursuit of things which never can give
satisfaction, and which must needs perish. And then, perhaps, we are
brought into a state of darkness and despondency, to show us our utter
helplessness and unworthiness, and the need there is for every one of us
to "keep the heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of
life."....

Every individual, no doubt, has his own particular path of duty, which is
designed to promote his own best happiness and the well-being of all
mankind. How important for each to follow that path in watchfulness and
obedience, that the work may not be marred! How important to keep the
heart with all diligence, that the issues of life may be in accordance
with divine will!

* * * * *

(9 _mo_. 1, 1850.)

_Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the
Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty_.--(2 Chronicles
xxxi. 10.)

These words have been impressed upon my mind this morning, and I have
thought they were instructive, in a spiritual sense. I believe, if we were
more earnest in bringing offerings into the house of the Lord--if each one
of us was more diligent in contributing his share, and doing his part of
the Lord's business,--we should have less anxiety about worldly things; we
should have faith in the Lord's providence, and, not only spiritually, but
naturally also, we should have "enough to eat and plenty left."

* * * * *

(11 _mo_. 24, 1850.)

In looking at the world around, we may be apt to think that the day is
very far off when the Lord's kingdom, shall be established in peace: but
to those who, through the regenerating power of Christ, have become
subjects of the Prince of Peace, that day has commenced already; and
whateve