JESUS, standing at the tomb of Lazarus, refused to work a miracle until the friends of the dead man had done their part. "Take ye away the stone," said he. He might have moved it by a motion of his hand, or by a thought, but this part was theirs to do, and until they did it Christ couldn't work. God will do nothing for me that I can do for myself. My extremity is God's opportunity. God can get no glory by doing for me that which I can do for myself. Why should I sit down and expect God to do my work? If I try and fail, God will either give me strength or do it for me, if it ought to be done. Many a one is asking God to save some friend, and Jesus says, "Take ye away the stone." What is it? an inconsistent life? a bad habit? a cross disposition? a long tongue? an inconsistent business? Look well and see what boulder in your life obstructs the tomb, and shuts out Christ from your beloved, dead in trespass and sin. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." How many prayers are but insults offered to God! Iniquity cherished in the heart, yet by my prayers asking God to countenance my wicked life. If God should answer the prayer, he must needs set the seal of his approval on my sin. One of the great premiums offered in God's book for a holy life, is the listening ear of God and the promise of a sure and speedy answer to our prayers. "Search me, O God," should be our daily prayer.—Record of Christian Work.