Leaves of Life Part 41

--William M. Thackeray.

Henry Drummond has told us how in the heart of Africa he came across men and women who remembered the only white man they ever saw before--David Livingstone; and as you cross his footsteps in the dark continent men's faces light up as they speak of the kind doctor who pa.s.sed there years ago. They could not understand him; but they felt the love that beat in his heart.

Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

--James 3. 13.

My Lord, inspire me with kind words and thoughtful deeds, that I may share the yearnings and sympathy of others. May my life show that I am dependable, and may none be left lonely to-day because of my forgetfulness. Amen.

MAY TWENTY-FIRST

Albrecht Durer born 1471.

Fernando de Soto died 1542.

Alexander Pope born 1688.

Self-love but serves the virtuous mind to wake As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake; The center moved, a circle straight succeeds, Another still, and still another spreads; Friend, parent, neighbor, first it will embrace, Its country next, and next, the human race.

--Alexander Pope.

A gentleman is one who understands and shows every mark of deference to the claim of self-love in others, and exacts it in return from them.

--William Hazlitt.

But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

--Job 23. 10.

Lord G.o.d, teach me how secret actions make or destroy my life. Show me the deep lines made by sorrow and discontent that cannot be effaced.

May I look toward the corrections of life and not on my imperfections, that my life may be a helpful influence. Amen.

MAY TWENTY-SECOND

Newman Hall born 1816.

Wilhelm Richard Wagner born 1813.

Maria Edgeworth died 1849.

Victor Hugo died 1885.

Who cares for the burden, the night, and the rain, And the long, steep, lonesome road, When at last through the darkness a light s.h.i.+nes plain, When a voice calls "Hail," and a friend draws rein, With an arm for the stubborn load?

For life is the chance of a friend or two This side of the journey's goal.

Though the world be a desert the long night through, Yet the gay flowers bloom and the sky shows blue When a soul salutes a soul.

--Unknown.

In all misfortune the greatest consolation is a sympathizing friend.

--Cervantes.

They help every one his neighbor; and every one saith to his brother, Be of good courage.

--Isaiah 41. 6.

Loving Father, may I lay hold upon the highest standards of friends.h.i.+p and so be qualified to be a friend. May those who call and lean on me feel secure in my support. May none ever be ashamed to call me friend.

Grant that those whom I love may keep faith with me. Amen.

MAY TWENTY-THIRD

Thomas Hood born 1798.

Margaret Fuller Ossoli born 1810.

Henrik Ibsen died 1896.

Dr. John Campbell died 1861.

Chance cannot touch me! Time cannot hush me!

Fear, Hope, and longing, at strife; Sink as I rise, on, on, upward forever, Gathering strength, gaining breath-- Naught can sever Me from the Spirit of Life.

--Margaret Fuller.

But evil is wrought by want of thought, as well as want of heart.

--Thomas Hood.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.

--Romans 8. 18.

Heavenly Father, cause the newness of life to continue to flow through my heart, that I may not be fatigued, as I struggle with discouragements. Release me from hopeless cares that I have made mine, thinking they were thine. May I trust in the boundless limit of thy mercy, and rejoice in the world of living light. Amen.

MAY TWENTY-FOURTH