Leaves of Life Part 49

--Lucy Larcom.

Very early, I perceived that the object of life is to grow.

--Margaret Fuller.

Many a genius has been slow of growth. Oaks that flourish for a thousand years do not spring up into beauty like a reed.

--George Henry Lewes.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with G.o.d and men.

--Luke 2. 52.

Almighty G.o.d, thy power is so great I cannot express it; help me to comprehend the meaning of it, that I may feel more profoundly thy expectations of my life. May I remember that to forget that life is eternal may make me to lose all it has grown. Amen.

JUNE EIGHTEENTH

Robert Stewart born 1769.

Battle of Waterloo 1815.

William Cobbett died 1835.

Not he the threatening texts who deals Is highest 'mong the preachers, But he who feels the woes and weals Of all G.o.d's wandering creatures.

He doth good work whose heart can find The spirit 'neath the letter; Who makes his kind of happier mind, Leaves wiser men and better.

Dear Bard and Brother! let who may Against thy faults be railing, (Though far, I pray, from us be they That never had a failing!)

--James Russell Lowell.

Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of G.o.d: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

--Romans 12. 19.

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may not be so occupied in expressing my judgment of others, that I will forget to live in thy judgment myself.

May I have the compa.s.sion for others that I hope to receive from thee.

Amen.

JUNE NINETEENTH

Magna Charta signed, Runnymede, 1215.

Blaise Pascal born 1623.

Charles H. Spurgeon born 1834.

Find your niche and fill it. If it is ever so little, if it is only a hewer of wood or a drawer of water, do something in the great battle for G.o.d and truth.

--Charles Spurgeon.

If I do what I may in earnest, I need not mourn if I work no great work on earth. To help the growth of a thought that struggles toward the light; to brush with gentle hand the stain from the white of one snowdrop--such be my ambition.

--George Macdonald.

Jehovah thy G.o.d will bless thee in all thy work, and in all that thou puttest thy hand unto.

--Deuteronomy 15. 10.

Lord G.o.d, I pray that I may not through conceit be betrayed into slacking my work, or through visions of greatness lose it. Teach me how to obtain the secret wealth in the smallest thing; and may I recognize thy treasures, and fill my life with the finest that may be given me. Amen.

JUNE TWENTIETH

John of Lancaster born 1389.

Dr. Adam Ferguson born 1723.

Anna Let.i.tia Aiken (Mrs. Barbauld) born 1743.

If the soft hand of winning Pleasure leads By living waters, and through flowery meads, Where all is smiling, tranquil, and serene, Oh! teach me to elude each latent snare, And whisper to my sliding heart, "Beware!"

With caution let me hear the Syren's voice, And doubtful, with a trembling heart rejoice.

If friendless in a vale of tears I stray, Where briars wound, and thorns perplex my way, Still let my steady soul thy goodness see, And, with a strong confidence, lay hold on Thee.

--Anna Let.i.tia Barbauld.

For thou, O G.o.d, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

--Psalm 66. 10.

O Lord, teach me to select my pleasures with care, that I may not plunge into joyful moments that are irretrievable. May I indulge in the pleasures that bring happiness and not weariness. Grant that I may have the honor to protect others from harm and loss, as I engage in my pleasures and in my work. Amen.

JUNE TWENTY-FIRST

Captain John Smith died 1631.

Anthony Collins born 1676.

Jacques Offenbach born 1819.