Leaves of Life Part 68

--1 Corinthians 15. 58.

Father of mercy, I beseech thee to protect me in my endeavors as I try to live my ideals. May I not choose unnecessary burdens, and when I most need to be strong find that I have lived in that which has weakened my life. I ask for a clear mind and a strong heart that I may be "Captain of my soul." Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-FOURTH

William Wilberforce born 1759.

William Thomas Moncrieff born 1794.

Theodore Parker born 1810.

Give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth; A seeing sense that knows the eternal right; A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth; A manly faith that makes all darkness light: Give me the power to labor for mankind; Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; Eyes let me be to groping men and blind.

--Theodore Parker.

Love's hearts are faithful, but not fond, Bound for the just, but not beyond; Not glad, as the low-loving herd, Of self in other still preferred, But they have heartily designed The benefit of broad mankind.

And they serve men austerely, After their own genius, clearly, Without a false humility.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offense toward G.o.d and men always.

--Acts 24. 16.

Heavenly Father, help me to-day to look into my heart and see the truth of my life, and show me thy heart that I may see the truth of life. Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-FIFTH

Thomas Chatterton died 1770.

Sir William Herschel died 1822.

Francis Bret Harte died 1902.

O teach me in the trying hour, When anguish swells the dewy tear, To still my sorrows, own thy power, Thy goodness love, thy justice fear.

Then why, my soul, dost thou complain?

Why drooping seek the dark recess?

Shake off the melancholy chain, For G.o.d created all to bless.

--Thomas Chatterton.

Each substance of a grief hath twenty shadows which show like grief itself, but are not so: For sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tears, Divides one thing entire to many shadows.

--William Shakespeare.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

And why art thou disquieted within me?

Hope thou in G.o.d.

--Psalm 42. 5.

Loving Father, forbid that I should be lonesome, and forget thou art my friend: and may I not pa.s.s over thy mercies while waiting for thy compa.s.sion. Help me to find contentment in the inheritances of the earth, where I may always draw from thee. Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-SIXTH

Sir Robert Walpole born 1676.

Adam Clarke died 1832.

Henry Fawcett born 1833.

Lord, for to-morrow and its needs I do not pray; Keep me, my G.o.d, from stain of sin Just for to-day.

Help me to labor earnestly, And duly pray; Let me be kind in word and deed, Father, to-day.

Let me no wrong or idle word Unthinking say; Set thou a seal upon my lips Through all to-day.

Let me in season, Lord, be grave, In season gay; Let me be faithful to thy grace, Dear Lord, to-day.

--Ernest Wilberforce.

And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?

--Matthew 6. 27.

My Lord, I pray that thou wilt control my life, and bless the going out of my work, be it ever so great or small. Help me to realize the necessity of earnestness, that I may "work while it is to-day," and I have the light, and not wait for the night, when it is too dark for work to be done. May I be faithful in my work until it is completed.

Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-SEVENTH

William Woollett born 1735.

James Thomson died 1748.

George W. F. Hegel born 1770.

Who are thy playmates, boy?