ation within them. They
can not elevate their soul into a profound awe before his awful presence,
and there is but little conscious depth of inner reverence and devotion to
his dear name. There is a blessed remedy for this serious trouble.
Carefully watch your meditations. Call the oftener upon God in some silent
secret place. Select some secluded, hallowed place for meditation. It is
said of Isaac that he went into the field at eventide to meditate. Gen.
24:63. This is a time well suited to draw the soul out into deep, intimate
communion with God. Learn to admire the wondrous works of the Creator.
Meditate upon them. The setting of the sun, the starry heavens, the fleecy
floating clouds, the silent hills, all will serve to fill your soul with
reverential fear before God's majestic presence, and all within you be
awed to solemn stillness at his footfall. Then you can say with the
Psalmist, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psa.
119:97. "I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy
wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy
doings." Psa. 77:11, 12. "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and
fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: when I remember
thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." Psa. 63:5,
6.

Idle, careless thoughts generate a stupidity that will rob you of joy and
soul satisfaction. It will deaden the sensibilities of your inner nature
and prevent your hearing God's footstep, and deprive you of many a
blessing. Communion with the Lord and meditating upon his Word will
elevate the soul to a plane all radiant with Heaven's light and love, and
put a humility in your heart and a sweetness in every expression that will
distinguish you from the coarse ways of the world. "I will sing unto the
Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my
being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord."
Psa. 104:33, 34.

Examination.

Close and impartial examination of our moral character is indispensable to
spiritual prosperity. He who does not watch the inclinations of his heart,
nor note the course of its affections, and direct them in the channels of
heavenly grace, will soon have naught but a "name to live." As you read
the infallible Word of God, ask him to let its light find entrance to the
remotest chambers of your soul. Too many read the Scriptures in a careless