Life and Literature Part 17

And I said, "I am sorry for you: You are sorely in need of care, But I can not stop to give it; You must hasten other where."

And at the words a shadow Swept over his blue-veined brow.

"Some one will feed and clothe you, dear, But I am too busy now."

At last, my toil was over and done, My house was swept and garnished, And I watched in the dusk alone; I waited till night had deepened, And the Master had not come; "He has entered some other door," I cried, "And gladdened some other home!"

Then the Master stood before me, And His face was grave and fair; "Three times to-day I came to your door, And craved your pity and care.

Three times you sent Me onward, Unhelped and uncomforted; And the blessing you might have had was lost, And your chance to serve has fled."

"O Lord, dear Lord, forgive me; How could I know it was Thee?"

My very soul was shamed and bowed In the depths of humility.

And He said, "The sin is pardoned, But the blessing is lost to thee, For failing to comfort the least of Mine, You have failed to comfort Me."

226

John Paul, of Siena, was always very liberal to the poor. On his deathbed he exclaimed, "What I have kept, that have I lost, and what I have given away, that I have yet, what I have refused I now regret."

Another is reported to have said: "I have lost everything except what I have given away."

227

A SERMON OF MOHAMMED.

When G.o.d made the earth, it shook to and fro till He put mountains on it to keep it firm. Then the angels asked, "O G.o.d, is there anything in Thy creation stronger than these mountains?" And G.o.d replied, "Iron is stronger than the mountains, for it breaks them." "And is there anything in Thy creation stronger than iron?" "Yes, fire is stronger than iron, for it melts it." "Is there anything stronger than fire?" "Yes, water, for it quenches fire." "Is there anything stronger than water?" "Yes, wind, for it puts water in motion." "O, our Sustainer, is there anything in Thy creation stronger than wind?" "Yes, a good man giving alms; if he gives it with his right hand, and conceals it from his left, he overcomes all things." Every good act is charity; your smiling in your brother's face, your putting a wanderer in the right road, your giving water to the thirsty is charity; exhortation to another to do right is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good he has done in this world to his fellowmen. When he dies, people will ask: "What property has he left behind him?" But the angels will ask: "What good deeds has he sent before him?"

228

_Charity_--It is another's fault if he be ungrateful; but it is mine if I do not give. To find one thankful man, I will oblige many that are not so.

--_Seneca._

229

He gives double who gives unasked.

230

He that cheats me aince (once) shame fa him; but he that cheats me twice shame fa me.

--_Scotch._

231

The cheek Is apter than the tongue, to tell an errand.

--_Shakespeare._

232

If you have a word of cheer, Speak it, while I am alive to hear.

_Margaret Preston._

233

You find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others?

--_L. M. Child._

234

Cheerfulness smoothes the road of life.

--_German._

235

Cheerfulness is full of significance: it suggests good health, a clear conscience, and a soul at peace with all human nature.

--_Charles Kingsley._

236

Chide a friend in private, and praise him in public.

--_Solon._

237

A CHILD'S SERMON.

A writer once told how a little child preached a sermon to him.

"Is your father at home?" I asked a small child at our village doctor's doorstep.

"No," she said, "he's away."