Leaves of Life Part 54

David G. Farragut born 1801.

George Sand born 1804.

Cecil Rhodes born 1853.

Nature alone can speak to our intelligence an imperishable language, never changing, because it remains within the bounds of eternal truth and of what is absolutely n.o.ble and beautiful.

--George Sand.

Say, dost thou understand the whispered token, The promise breathed from every leaf and flower?

And dost thou hear the word ere it be spoken, And apprehend love's presence by its power?

--Unknown.

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; And the birds of the heavens, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

Who knoweth not in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath wrought this?

--Job 12. 7-9.

Lord G.o.d, direct me away from self, that I may learn of thy wisdom, and help further thy kingdom. Give me patience to search for thy truths, that I may obtain the n.o.blest to use for thy service. Amen.

JULY SIXTH

John Huss burned at Constance, Baden, 1369.

Baron Wilhelm Leibnitz born 1646.

John Paul Jones born 1747.

John Flaxman born 1755.

No man likes to acknowledge that he has made a mistake in the choice of his profession, and every man worthy of the name will row long against wind and tide before he allows himself to cry out, "I'm baffled!" and submit to be floated pa.s.sively back to land.

--Charlotte Bronte.

There is nothing so small but that we honor G.o.d by asking his guidance of it, or insult him by taking it into our hands.

--John Ruskin.

If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.

--Psalm 139. 9, 10.

My Father, I pray that I may have wise judgment and use discretion in the choice of my work. May I remember that only that is genuine which is received and used for thee. Amen.

JULY SEVENTH

Alexis, son of Peter the Great, died in prison 1718.

Thomas Blacklock died 1791.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan died 1816.

The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed.

--Richard B. Sheridan.

I felt my hot blood a-tingling flow; With thrill of the fight my soul did glow; And when, braced and pure, I emerged secure From the strife that had tried my courage so, I said, "Let heaven send me sun or rain, I'll never know flinching fear again."

--Thomas Crawford.

For the Lord Jehovah will help me; therefore have I not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

--Isaiah 50. 7.

Lord Jehovah, help me to learn how to be strong and brave, that I may not remain in fear and weakness. Help me to conquer unworthiness, and to overcome discouragements, that I may be spared the needless battles that are brought on through impatience and selfishness. Keep my soul in repose, that I may add to my conquering strength. Amen.

JULY EIGHTH

Jean de La Fontaine born 1621.

Dr. Samuel D. Gross born 1805.

Joseph Chamberlain born 1836.

Neither gold nor grandeur can render us happy.

--La Fontaine.

Spirit of G.o.d! descend upon my heart; Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move; Stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art, And make me love thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, No sudden rending of the veil of clay: No angel visitant, no opening skies-- But take the dimness of my soul away.

--George Croly.

For a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

--Luke 12. 15.

Eternal G.o.d, help me to honor my life; and may I realize, whether I select good or bad, much or little, the harvesting is for eternity.