fe to which He has called us. But what a difference there is between
making our dress our main consideration, and considering first and
foremost the attire of the soul in meekness and truth, purity and
unselfishness. They who are set upon these may be trusted to put the
other in the right place. But, on the whole, the truly consecrated
soul should study simplicity. It should not endeavour to attract
notice by glaring colours or extravagant display. It ought not to seek
a large variety of dresses and costumes, but be satisfied with what may
be really needed for the exigencies of climate and health. Let it take
no pleasure in vying with others, because dress is a question of
utility and not of pride. On the whole, we should set our faces
against the soft raiment which enervates the health, and unfits us to
stretch out our hands in ready help to those who need assistance along
the highways of life.

So with service. It is not well to depend on others. If it is part of
our lot to be surrounded by servants, let us accept their offices with
grace and kindliness, but never allow ourselves to lean on them. We
should know how to do everything for ourselves, and be prepared to do
it whenever it is necessary. Of course, with some of us, it is
essential that we should have servants, that we may be set free to do
the special work of our lives. Nothing would be more unfortunate than
that those who are highly gifted in some special direction should
fritter away their time and strength in doing trifles which others
could do for them equally well. To think of a physician whose
consulting room was crowded with patients needing help which he alone,
of all men living, could give, spending the precious morning hours in
the minutiae of household arrangements, blacking his boots, or
preparing his food! Let these things be left to those who cannot do
the higher work to which he is called.

This is the secret of making the best of your life. Discover what you
can do best--the one thing which you are called to do for others, and
which probably no one else can do so well. Set yourself to do this,
devolving on voluntary or paid helpers all that they can do as well as,
and perhaps better than, yourself. It was in this spirit that the
apostles said, "It is not fit that we should forsake the Word of God
and serve tables. Look ye out, therefore, men ... whom we may appoint
over this business; but we will continue steadfastly in pray