Chapter 11

My Father, I bless thee for thy patience and forbearance. I pray that thou wilt forgive me for all the sorrow that I have made from rebellion and despair, and with thy forgiveness may I receive patience and cheerful courage. Amen.

AUGUST FIFTH

John Eliot born 1604.

John, Lord Wrottesley, born 1798.

Richard Lord Howe died 1799.

To live within a cave--it is most good; But if God made a day, And some one come, and say, "Lo! I have gathered faggots in the wood!" E'en let him stay, And light a fire, and fan a temporal mood! So sit till morning! when the light is grown That he the path can read, Then bid the man Godspeed! His morning is not thine: yet must thou own Those ashes on the stone. They have a cheerful warmth.

--Thomas Edward Brown.

It is given to us sometimes, even in our everyday life, to witness the saving influence of a noble nature, the divine efficacy of rescue that may lie in a self-subduing act of fellowship.

--George Eliot.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.

--Matthew 25. 40.

Father of mankind, may I not be a barrier to the discouraged, but help them in the ways of encouragement. May I not allow pride and prejudice to keep me from acts of love and deeds of kindness, but may I be worthy of thy trust. Amen.

AUGUST SIXTH

Ben Jonson died 1637.

François Fénelon born 1651.

Daniel O'Connell born 1775.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, born 1809.

O well for him whose will is strong! He suffers, but he will not suffer long; He suffers, but he cannot suffer wrong; For him nor moves the loud world's random mock, Not all Calamity's hugest waves confound, Who seems a promontory rock, That compassed round with turbulent sound, In middle ocean meets the surging shock, Tempest-buffeted, citadel-crowned.

--Alfred Tennyson.

Grandeur of character lies in force of soul--that is, in the force of thought, moral principle, and love; and this may be found in the humblest condition of life.

--William Ellery Channing.

So then, brethren, stand fast.

--2 Thessalonians 2. 15.

Eternal God, help me that I may not be deceived by my surroundings as I seek to have life abundantly. Instruct me that it is by the way of character that I must attain the laws of growth, and learn reverence for the spirit of divine life. Amen.

AUGUST SEVENTH

Battle of Thermopylae B.C. 480.

Frederick William (Dean) Farrar born 1831.

Alexander M. Bell died 1905.

Although a friend may remain faithful in misfortune, yet none but the very best and loftiest will remain faithful to us after our errors and our sins.

--Dean Farrar.

Friendship is like a debt of honor: the moment it is talked of it loses its real name, and assumes the more ungrateful form of obligation. From hence we find that those who regularly undertake to cultivate friendship find ingratitude generally repays their endeavors.

--Oliver Goldsmith.

For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.

--Psalm 141. 5.

Lord God, may I ever continue to be thankful for the times thou hast helped me, when I have asked for thy compassion; may I recall the joy in which I received it, when it may be mine to have compassion and extend a helping hand to others. I pray that I may place my life where it will be stronger than adversity and controlled by sincerity and love. Amen.

AUGUST EIGHTH

Charles A. Dana born 1819.

Laurence Hutton born 1843.

Cecile Chaminade born 1861.

Lo! all the glory gone! God's masterpiece undone! The last created and the first to fall; The noblest, frailest, godliest of all.

Child of the humble sod, Wed with the breath of God, Descend! for with the lowest thou must lie-- Arise! thou hast inherited the sky.

--John B. Tabb.

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations; I cannot reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

--Louisa M. Alcott.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come?

--Psalm 121. 1.

Heavenly Father, may I see as I raise my eyes to the mountains that without the deep shadows there would be no vision of the high-light, and still higher may I see that without the sun there would be no color to encircle the rainbow. And beyond, O Father, may I believe that without the shadow of the cross we could not have the glory of the resurrection. May I keep the vision clear. Amen.

AUGUST NINTH

Izaak Walton born 1593.

John Dryden born 1631.

Francis Scott Key born 1780.

Joseph Jacques Tissot died 1902.

All habits gather, by unseen degrees, Brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas.

--John Dryden.

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream; 'Tis the star-spangled banner; O yet may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

--Francis Scott Key.

Do not be troubled because you have not great virtues. God made a million spears of grass where he made one tree.... Only have enough of little virtues and common fidelities, and you need not mourn because you are neither a hero nor a saint.

--Henry Ward Beecher.

The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life.

--Proverbs 22. 4.

Lord God, who keepest truth to generations, and who through love and wisdom hath gathered us into nations, forgive me for what I have done that is wrong, and for what I have neglected that was right. May I give greater loyalty to my country and to thee. Amen.

AUGUST TENTH

Founding of Greenwich Observatory 1675.

Sir Charles Napier born 1782.

George Park Fisher born 1827.

No one can ask honestly or hopefully to be delivered from temptation unless he has himself honestly and firmly determined to do the best he can to keep out of it.

--John Ruskin.

Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

--William Shakespeare.

The greatest punishment one can have is to discover, not how hard, but how low he has fallen.

--M.B.S.

O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so-called.

--1 Timothy 6. 20.

Almighty God, through thy mercies may I recognize my faults, and correct any evil that is in me. Make me strong, that I may not yield to temptation. May I have regard for thy will and be prepared to take thy messages as they are flashed to the soul. Amen.

AUGUST ELEVENTH

Jean Victor Moreau born 1761.

Octave Feuillet born 1821.

Signer Crispi died 1901.

Heaven overreaches you and me, And all earth's gardens and her graves. Look up with me, until we see The day break and the shadows flee. What though to-night wrecks you and me If so to-morrow saves?

--Christina G. Rossetti.

The essence of joy lies in the doing rather than in the result of the doing. There is a lifelong and solid satisfaction in any productive labor, manual or mental, which is not pushed beyond the limit of strength.

--Charles W. Eliot.

Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths. Guide me in thy truths, and teach me.

--Psalm 25. 4, 5.

My Father, keep me where my eyes may look expectantly toward the dawn, through the darkness. Take away everything that comes between me and the brightness of the morning. Amen.

AUGUST TWELFTH

Robert Southey born 1774.

Francis Horner born 1778.

Edith Thomas born 1854.

Katherine Lee Bates born 1859.

Our restlessness in this world seems to indicate that we are intended for a better. We have all of us a longing after happiness; and surely the Creator will gratify all the natural desires he has implanted in us.

--Robert Southey.

Whenso my quick, light-sandaled feet Bring me where Joys and Pleasures meet, I mingle with their throng at will; They know me not an alien still, Since neither words nor ways unsweet Of stored bitterness I spill; Youth shuns me not nor gladness fears, For I go softly all my years.

--Edith Thomas.

He hath swallowed up death forever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces.

--Isaiah 25. 8.

Loving Father, help me to guard my inclinations. May I be able to appreciate that though I may be restless from ambition, I also may be restless through discontent. Correct my life, that my desires may meet the true demands of my soul. Strengthen me with the power of calmness, that "I may go softly all my years," even though I walk through the bitterness of sorrow. Amen.

AUGUST THIRTEENTH

Jeremy Taylor died 1667.

Dr. William Wotton born 1669.

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward born 1844.

Elizabeth Prentiss died 1878.

Sir John Millais died 1896.

Feeling the way--and all the way up hill; But on the open summit, calm and still, The feet of Christ are planted; and they stand In view of all the quiet land.

Feeling the way--and if the way is cold, What matter? since upon the fields of gold His breath is melting; and the warm winds sing While rocking summer days for him.

--Elizabeth S. Phelps.

All the performances of human art, at which we look with praise and wonder, are instances of the resistless force of perseverance.

--Samuel Johnson.

But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.

---2 Timothy 3. 14.

My Lord, I would remember to ask thee this morning for that of which I seem to have most need. May I have the will to keep my patience and realize the untold power of my words and actions. Give me thy peace, not only to rest in, but that I may have it to give to others. Amen.

AUGUST FOURTEENTH

Dr. Meric Casaubon born 1599.

Dr. Charles Button born 1737.

Walter Besant born 1836.

Ernest Thompson Seton born 1860.

Florence Nightingale died 1910.

I count this thing to be grandly true, That a noble deed is a step toward God; Lifting the soul from the common clod To a purer air and a broader view.

We rise by the things that are under our feet, By what we have mastered of good or gain, By the pride deposed and the passion slain, And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet.

--Richard Watson Gilder.

No Apostle of Liberty much to my heart ever found I; License each for himself, this was at bottom their want. Liberator of many! first dare to be Servant of many; What a business is that, would'st thou know it, go try!

--Goethe.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

--1 Thessalonians 5. 21.

Gracious Father, if I may be beginning this day with an unclean purpose in my heart, help me to clear it away; if I may be trying to avoid some urgent duty, make me ashamed to resist it. Keep away the desires that harm my life, and that withhold the enjoyment of my common work. Amen.

AUGUST FIFTEENTH

Jeremy Taylor baptized 1613.

Napoleon Bonaparte born 1769.

Sir Walter Scott born 1771.

Thomas de Quincey born 1785.

And do our loves all perish with our frames? Do those that took their root and put forth buds, And their soft leaves unfolded in the warmth Of mutual hearts, grow up and live in beauty, Then fade and fall, like fair, unconscious flowers?

O, listen, man! A voice within us speaks the startling word, "Man, thou shalt never die!"

--Richard Henry Dana.

I am drawing near to the close of my career; I am fast shuffling off the stage. I have been perhaps the most voluminous author of the day; and it is a comfort to me to think I have tried to unsettle no man's faith, to corrupt no man's principle, and that I have written nothing which on my deathbed I should wish blotted.

--Sir Walter Scott.

But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

--1 Thessalonians 4. 9.

Almighty God, may I have that faith in eternal life which will make me careful of what I choose for my own and more careful of what I put in the lives of others. Amen.

AUGUST SIXTEENTH

Ralph Thoresby born 1658.

Dr. Thomas Fuller died 1661.

Dr. Matthew Tindal died 1733.

The secret of goodness and greatness is in choosing whom you will approach and live with, in memory or imagination, through the crowding obvious people who seem to live with you.

--Robert Browning.

Fair Nature's book together read, The old wood-paths that knew our tread, The maple shadows overhead--

Where'er I look, where'er I stray, Thy thought goes with me on my way, And hence the prayer I breathe to-day.

--John Greenleaf Whittier.

Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?

--Amos 3. 3.

Lord God, I thank thee for the delight of congenial companions and the memory of friendship. May I not be quick to lose my friends through misunderstanding and selfishness. May I be considerate and constant and be able to climb to the highest steeps of friendship. Amen.

AUGUST SEVENTEENTH

Dr. William Carey born 1761.

David Crockett born 1786.

Mary Abigail Dodge (Gail Hamilton) died 1896.

The destiny of nations lies far more in the hands of women--the mothers--than in the hands of those who possess power. We must cultivate women, who are educators of the human race, else a new generation cannot accomplish its task.

--Froebel.

In an old continental town they will show you a prison in a tower, and on all the stones of that prison within reach one word is carved--it is, "Resist!" Years ago a godly woman was for forty years immured in that dungeon, and she spent her time in cutting with a piece of iron on every stone that one word, for the strengthening of her own heart and for the benefit of all who might come after her, "Resist!" "Resist!" "Resist!"

--J.G. Mantle.

Then Mordecai bade them return answer unto Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews ... and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

--Esther 4. 13, 14.

Lord God, give me wisdom to help relieve the ignorant and suffering. May I strive in every way to free thy people, that they may be uplifted in the progress of life. Amen.

AUGUST EIGHTEENTH

Virginia Dare, first English child born in America, 1587.

Dr. Henry Hammond born 1605.

Robert Williams Buchanan born 1841.

John Russell born 1792.

Pour out thy love like the rush of a river, Wasting its waters for ever and ever, Through the burnt sands that reward not the giver; Silent or songful thou nearest the sea.

Scatter thy life as the summer showers pouring. What if no bird through the pearl rain is soaring? What if no blossom looks upward adoring? Look to the life that was lavished for thee.

--Unknown.

Who is the happiest person? He whose nature asks for nothing that the world does not wish and use.

--Goethe.

Freely ye received, freely give.

--Matthew 10. 8.

My Father, I pray that I may have the sympathy that responds with consideration and devotion. May it be a joy for me to give comfort and render service where I may help. Grant that I may not linger too long in happiness and miss thy blessings, but remember that to "travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Amen.

AUGUST NINETEENTH

Augustus Cæsar died A.D. 14.

James Watt died 1819.

Robert Bloomfield died 1823.

Honore Balzac died 1850.

It is written not, "Blessed is he that feedeth the poor," but "Blessed is he that considereth the poor." And you know a little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.

--John Ruskin.

So pity never leaves the gentle breast Where love has been received a welcome guest; As wandering saints poor huts have sacred made, He hallows every heart he once has swayed, And, when his presence we no longer share, Still leaves compassion as a relic there.

--Thomas Sheridan.

If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; and yet ye give them not the things needful to the body; what doth it profit?

--James 2. 16.

Tender Father, help me to consider those who receive the crust of bread at my door; for if it be needed it is asked for by sad and desperate lives. Make me conscious of thy mercy and help, that I may be considerate for the one with the outstretched hand. Amen.

AUGUST TWENTIETH

Saint Bernard died 1153.

Robert Herrick born 1591.

John and Cornelius De Witt killed 1672.

Francis Asbury born 1745.

Henry P. Liddon born 1829.

Benjamin Harrison, Ohio, twenty-third President United States, born 1833.

The busy world shoves angrily aside The man who stands with arms akimbo set Until occasion tells him what to do; And he who waits to have his task marked out Shall die and leave his errand unfulfilled.

--James Russell Lowell.

Awake, arise! the hour is late! Angels are knocking at thy door! They are in haste and cannot wait, And once departed come no more.

--Henry W. Longfellow.

Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

--Proverbs 27. 1.

Gracious Father, grant that I may not tarry so long, that when I arrive I will hear, "Too late, too late, ye cannot enter now"; but may I be so persistent with every day that when I arrive I may be ready as well as on time. Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-FIRST

Lady Mary Montagu died 1762.

Jules Michelet born 1798.

John Tyndall born 1820.

Let us never be afraid of innocent joy; God is good and what he does is well done; resign yourself to everything, even happiness; ask for the spirit of sacrifice, of detachment, of renunciation, and above all, for the spirit of joy and gratitude.

--Amiel.

That's the wise thrush; He sings each song twice over, Lest you should think he never could recapture The first fine careless rapture!

--Robert Browning.

And these things we write, that our joy may be made full.

--1 John 1. 4.

Lord God, help me to keep the things under my feet that are inclined to destroy happiness. Show me clearly the line which divides right and wrong, that I may not fear the censure of the world. Help me to act with good judgment and be calm in obeying thy laws. Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-SECOND

John B. Gough born 1817.

Warren Hastings died 1818.

G. W. De Long born 1844.

I never saw a moor, I never saw the sea; Yet know I how a heather looks And what a wave must be.

I never spoke with God, Nor visited in heaven; Yet certain am I of the spot As if the chart were given.

--Emily Dickinson.

I don't want to possess a faith; I want a faith which will possess me.

--Charles Kingsley.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.

--Zechariah 4. 6.

My Father, may there be no room in my soul for doubt. Help me to be cautious and careful that my own neglect and carelessness may not cause the loss of my faith. May I be trustful as I look for the great light that guides me over the uncertain way. Amen.

AUGUST TWENTY-THIRD

Rowland Hill born 1744.

Louis XVI born 1754.

William E. Henley born 1849.

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

--W. E. Henley.

A man who has borne himself honorably through a whole life makes an action honorable which might appear ambiguous in others.

--Goethe.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable.

--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 God 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 God 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 God.

--Psalm 42. 5.

Loving Father, forbid that I should be lonesome, and forget thou art my friend: and may I not pass over thy mercies while waiting for thy compassion. 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 God, 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? "My favorite is joy, Who brings with him his sister Peace, to stay The livelong day. I love them both; but he Is most to me!"