In our eagerness to solve life we start out to trace its mysteries and trample G.o.d"s truths as we search. As we return we discover the shattered treasures, and gladly stoop to gather up the fragments, and with them translate the revelations of the soul.
--M.B.S.
I stretch my hands out in the empty air; I strain my eyes into the heavy night; Blackness of darkness!--Father, hear my prayer; Grant me to see the light!
--George Arnold.
But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father"s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father.
--Luke 15. 17, 18.
Heavenly Father, I pray that as I search for the truth I will not be so eager to seek thy mysteries as I am to extend thy ministries. Grant that by thy love I will be guided in comprehending and exalting thy kingdom. May my service bring me wisdom as I obey thy laws. Amen.
JUNE TWENTY-SECOND
Matthew Henry died 1714.
Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt born 1767.
H. Rider Haggard born 1856.
The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment. Sorrow is a kind of rust in the soul, which every new idea contributes in its pa.s.sage to scour away.
--Dr. Johnson.
We may be sure that one principle will hold throughout the whole pursuit of thoughtful happiness--the principle that the best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible to-day. To secure any desirable capacity for the future, near or remote, cultivate it to-day. What would be the use of immortality for a person who cannot use well half an hour? asks Emerson.
--Charles W. Eliot.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not.
--Isaiah 35. 3, 4.
Loving Father, help me that I may realize the depth of thy love. If I may be discouraged over my failures, speak to me hopefully and lead me out where I may find the right way to succeed. May I not be kept in sorrow, but find each day the happiness that brings a thankful heart.
Amen.
JUNE TWENTY-THIRD
Mark Akenside died 1770.
John Fill born 1625.
Josephine born 1763
Could we by a wish Have what we will and get the future now, Would we wish aught done undone in the past?
So, let him wait G.o.d"s instant men call years; Meantime hold hard by truth and his great soul, Do out the duty! Through such souls alone G.o.d stooping shows sufficient of his light For us i" the dark to rise by. And I rise.
--Robert Browning.
Press not thy purpose on thy Lord, Urge not thy erring will, Nor dictate to the Eternal mind Nor doubt thy Maker"s skill.
--Lydia H. Sigourney.
Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee.
--Psalm 143. 8.
My Father, help me to see that in my portion of work thou hast entrusted me to help further thy kingdom. Correct me if I am wrong in interpreting thy way. May I concentrate my mind and make my heart and hands do the work which thou hast given for me to do. Amen.
JUNE TWENTY-FOURTH
Jean Baptiste Ma.s.sillon born 1663.
Alexandre Dumas born 1803.
Henry Ward Beecher born 1813.
General Lord Kitchener born 1850.
All the world cries, "Where is the man who will save us?" Don"t look so far for this man, you have him at hand. This man--it is you, it is I, it is each one of us! How to const.i.tute oneself a man? Nothing harder if one knows not how to will it; nothing easier if one wills it.
--Alexandre Dumas.
Many of our troubles are G.o.d dragging us, and they would end if we would stand upon our feet and go whither he would have us.
--Henry Ward Beecher.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and mine ordinances; which if a man do, he shall live in them.
--Leviticus 18. 5.
Gracious Lord, I pray that I may have reverence for that which is pure and holy, and that my soul may delight in the presence of the good.
Help me to so live that I may have the memory of precious deeds, and that I may not have to depend on the service of others to supply contentment for my closing days. Amen.
JUNE TWENTY-FIFTH