Part 41 (1/2)

They are slaves who fear to speak For the fallen and the weak; They are slaves who will not choose Hatred, scoffing, and abuse, Rather than in silence shrink From the truth they needs must think; They are slaves who dare not be In the right with two or three.

J. R. LOWELL.

The real corrupters of society may be, not the corrupt, but those who have held back the righteous leaven, the salt that has lost its savor, the innocent who have not even the moral courage to show what they think of the effrontery of impurity,--the serious, who yet timidly succ.u.mb before some loud-voiced scoffer,--the heart trembling all over with religious sensibilities that yet suffers itself through false shame to be beaten down into outward and practical acquiescence by some rude and worldly nature.

J. H. THOM.

August 9

_The things which are impossible with men are possible with G.o.d_.--LUKE xviii. 27.

_Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence_.--PS. xciv. 17.

When obstacles and trials seem Like prison-walls to be, I do the little I can do, And leave the rest to Thee.

F. W. FABER.

The mind never puts forth greater power over itself than when, in great trials, it yields up calmly its desires, affections, interests to G.o.d.

There are seasons when to be _still_ demands immeasurably higher strength than to act. Composure is often the highest result of power. Think you it demands no power to calm the stormy elements of pa.s.sion, to moderate the vehemence of desire, to throw off the load of dejection, to suppress every repining thought, when the dearest hopes are withered, and to turn the wounded spirit from dangerous reveries and wasting grief, to the quiet discharge of ordinary duties? Is there no power put forth, when a man, stripped of his property, of the fruits of a life's labors, quells discontent and gloomy forebodings, and serenely and patiently returns to the tasks which Providence a.s.signs?

WM. E. CHANNING.

August 10

_The cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it_?--JOHN xviii.

11.

_Whatsoever is brought upon thee, take cheerfully_.--ECCLESIASTICUS ii. 4.

Every sorrow, every smart, That the Eternal Father's heart Hath appointed me of yore, Or hath yet for me in store, As my life flows on, I 'll take Calmly, gladly, for His sake, No more faithless murmurs make

P. GERHARDT.

The very least and the very greatest sorrows that G.o.d ever suffers to befall thee, proceed from the depths of His unspeakable love; and such great love were better for thee than the highest and best gifts besides that He has given thee, or ever could give thee, if thou couldst but see it in this light. So that if your little finger only aches, if you are cold, if you are hungry or thirsty, if others vex you by their words or deeds, or whatever happens to you that causes you distress or pain, it will all help to fit you for a n.o.ble and blessed state.

J. TAULER.

AUGUST 11

_The Lord thy G.o.d shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto_.--DEUT. xv. 10.

My place of lowly service, too, Beneath Thy sheltering wings I see; For all the work I have to do Is done through strengthening rest in Thee.