Thirteenth Day. Of the one thing necessary

T. Thou art troubled and careful about many things, but one thing is needful.' Luke x. 41. We think we have many important things to do and yet we have but one. If that be performed, all others are included in it. If that miscarry, whatever success others may seem to have, they will all come to nothing. Why should we then divide our heart and our care? O my only concern, thou shalt henceforward have my only attention! In the ray of divine light, I will each moment peaceably perform, according to my abilities, what Providence puts in my way. 1 will be careful for nothing else, because nothing else is my business.

II. <* I have finished the work; which theu; O Father gavcst me to do.'' John vii. 4. iiach 01 us should be able to say as much at the day of judgment. I ought to consider the business, which occurs in the daily order of Providence, as the work which God appoints me; and I should apply myself to it in a manner worthy of God, namely, with exactness, and with tranquillity. I ought not to neglect auy thing, or be passionately vehement about any thing, for it is dangerous to do the work of the 1 ord negligently on tlie one hand, or on the other to appropriate it to ourselves by self-love and false zeal. In this last case, our actions arise from a principle of self-will; we are eager and anxious for the success, and thai under the pretence of seeking the glory of God. 11ms selflove distinguishes itself under the appearance of zeal; and grieves, and is afflicted, when it miscarries in its designs. O God, grant me thy grace to enable me to be faithful in action, and resigned in success! My only business is to do thy will, and to do it as thy ivill not forgeiling thee in the performance of it. It is in thy pleasure to give my feeble endeavours success, or to frustrate my every effort.