Loneliness.

THERE are two forms of this trial. There is, first, the loneliness that proceeds from being left alone in illness and old age. Those who have plenty of means can generally have some one with them-but in many cases this is impossible. There are weary hours of the day, and still more weary hours of the night when sufferers have to be alone, deprived of the services and society of their friends. Then there is the other form of loneliness-the having to live with people who are unpleasant or uncongenial to us, Let us seek the comfort of Christ in these circumstances. He experienced, as we know, both these forms of loneliness. the forty days in the wilderness, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on many another

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occasion He endured loneliness, the absence of friends and sympathisers; and it was not till after the dire struggle was over that the angels came and ministered to Him. Again, how entirely He experienced the trial of being misunderstood. He was full of a great purpose-noble thoughts—a lofty mission, and those around Him were so different. He came unto His own and they received Him not-they knew not what manner of Spirit they were of-they would not understand nor believe in Him. Therefore, in this trial we may assume that we have the sympathy, from experience, of our Lord. Also, there is the immense comfort of realizing the constant presence of Christ. "Lo I am with you always." We learn to feel Him near us when all others are awaywe learn to speak to Him not only in regular and formal prayers, but as a loving and faithful friend, with no familiarity, but a perfect trust. And those who do this are enabled to feel in an increasing degree, and

in a most marvellous manner, the abiding presence of their Master. Others are away; He is here. The world around is busy or sleeps; He is here with love and sympathy. We are never by any possibility alone. And as to the galling trial of being misunderstood-If our course be the right one, what matters it so long as He knows. It is merely a question of time, and perhaps not a very long time. In another life we shall have wider scope and fewer limitations. He has always understood us, and those who have misunderstood us will no longer do so when everything is seen in its right proportion, and nothing but truth shall prevail. Moreover the turn of the tide may come, as it often does come, even in this life. This may be our special work given to us to doto endure with firmness and humility. Let us only be satisfied that our course is the right one, and then leave it to God to have it recognized in His own good time.

For suitable Prayer see page 174.

Separation.

In these days we travel more than ever. In our overpopulated country, people have to go elsewhere to earn their living. There must be a large number of those who have dear ones in India or the colonies, and who know the trial of parting with them. Even in England separation is a trial, though not So severe. These are thoughts which may soften the pang of separation, and be of some help to those who have to undergo this trial.

Circumstances separate us so that we cannot see or hear each other, but we are linked together by thought and prayer. Swifter than the electric current, thought crosses the world, and rises to the Father's throne. We

gaze on some star in the sky, and our loved ones far away are looking at it also. Even so we meet daily in prayer in the presence of God. And each day, if our lives be earnest, we are fitting ourselves for the heavenly life where separation cannot be, and where partings are no more.

For suitable Prayer see page 175.