Leaves of Life Part 40

Edwin Jenner born 1749.

The weakest among us has a gift, however seemingly trivial, which is peculiar to him, and which worthily used, will be a gift to his race forever.

--John Ruskin.

Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From G.o.d who is our home.

--William Wordsworth.

A weak mind sinks under prosperity as well as under adversity. A strong and deep mind has two highest tides--when the moon is at full, and when there is no moon.

--Julius Hare.

Thou hast granted me life and lovingkindness; And thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

--Job 10. 12.

Almighty G.o.d, I pray that I may have a true appreciation of the quality of life. Reveal to me my responsibilities and help me to make them my opportunities. Keep me in search of thoughts and deeds that will increase the delight of my soul. Amen.

MAY EIGHTEENTH

Francis Mahony (Father Prout) died 1866.

Mrs. Johnson (Stella) born 1735.

John Wilson (Christopher North) born 1785.

Longing is G.o.d's fresh heavenward will, With our poor earthly striving; We quench it, that we may be still Content with merely living.

But would we learn that heart's full scope Which we are hourly wronging, Our lives must climb from hope to hope, And realize our longing.

--James Russell Lowell.

Pretexts are not wanted when one wishes a thing.

--Goldoni.

Friends.h.i.+p is for all aid and comfort through all the relations of life and death--for serene days and graceful gifts and country rambles; but also for rough roads, and hard fare, s.h.i.+pwreck, poverty, and persecution.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Strive to enter in by the narrow door.

--Luke 13. 24.

Eternal G.o.d, I pray that thou wilt graciously restore my spirits if I may have settled into despondency over my disappointments. May I have the will to rise above them, and patiently strive for renewed hope.

Amen.

MAY NINETEENTH

James Boswell died 1795.

Johann Gottlieb Fichte born 1762.

William E. Gladstone died 1898.

Tired! Well, what of that?

Didst fancy life was spent on beds of ease, Fluttering the rose-leaves scattered by the breeze?

Come! rouse thee, work while it is called to-day!

Coward, arise--go forth upon the way!

Lonely! And what of that?

Some one must be lonely; 'tis not given to all To feel a heart responsive rise and fall, To blend another life into its own; Work may be done in loneliness; work on.

Dark! Well, what of that?

Didst fondly dream the sun would never set?

Dost fear to lose thy way? Take courage yet, Learn thou to walk by faith and not by sight, Thy steps will be guided, and guided right.

--Unknown.

And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

--Galatians 6. 9.

My Father, if thou wert far off I could not reach thee in time, for I falter so much and need thee so often. I pray that thou wilt keep so near that I can feel thy love and strength breathing within me. Amen.

MAY TWENTIETH

Elizabeth G. Fry born 1780.

John Stuart Mill born 1806.

Alfred Domett born 1811.

Rudolf H. Lotze born 1817.

Marquis de Lafayette died 1834.

Nature has written a letter of credit upon some men's faces which is honored wherever presented. You cannot help trusting such men; their very presence gives confidence. There is a "promise to pay" in their faces which gives confidence, and you prefer it to another man's indors.e.m.e.nt. Character is credit.