TIME AND EXPERIENCE ARE GREAT TEACHERS. Their lessons are very precious. Laban spoke in reference to the benefit he derived from Jacob's services rendered over twenty years; so may the Christian say in reference to the effects of divine teaching. Experience is knowledge derived from trial, and thus we learn the truth and value of God's grace; the importance and dignity of the holy Scripture; the true state and condition of human nature; the character and compassion of the Saviour; the need and nature of the operations of the Holy Spirit; the malice and cunning of Satan; and the power and efficacy of believing prayer; the spiritual benefits of affliction; the emptiness and vanity of the present world; and the love and faithfulness of a covenant God. No knowledge is like that which is gained by experience; it is far preferable to what we gain from report, or reading, or mere opinion; it is above every other kind of knowledge in point of certainty, in its tendency to edify, and in its power to establish the mind. Young people should be modest; they can know but little from experience yet. Mature and established Christians should communicate their experience to others: nothing is more helpful than this.

For Meditation:
Teacher divine! instruct me still
To know, to love, to do Thy will;
And let me by experience prove
Thy sanctifying power and love.