Voices for the Speechless Part 5

BUDDHISM.

The Buddhist duty of universal love enfolds in its embraces not only the brethren and sisters of the new faith, not only our neighbors, _but every thing that has life_.

T. W. RHYS DAVIDS.

As a mother, even at the risk of her own life, protects her son, her only son, so let a man _cultivate good-will without measure toward all beings_.

Let him cultivate good-will without measure, unhindered love and friendliness toward the whole world, above, below, around. Standing, walking, sitting, or lying, let him be firm in this mind so long as he is awake; this state of heart, they say, is the best in the world.

_Metta Sutta._

He who lives pure in thought, free from malice, contented, leading a holy life, _feeling tenderly for all creatures_, speaking wisely and kindly, humbly and sincerely, has the Deity ever in his breast. The Eternal makes not his abode within the breast of that man who covets another's wealth, who _injures living creatures_, who is proud of his iniquity, whose mind is evil.

_Dhammapada._

FROM THE ASOKA INSCRIPTIONS.

The discontinuance of the murder of human beings and of cruelty to animals, respect for parents, obedience to father and mother, obedience to holy elders, these are good deeds.--_No. IV._

And now the joyful chorus resounds again and again that henceforward not a single animal shall be put to death.--_No. V._

In a summary of the inscriptions by Arthur Lillie, in "Buddhism and Early Buddhism," he says, they require also, for the benefit of both beast and men, "that gardens be cultivated everywhere of healing shrubs and herbs."

[The inscriptions were written on "rocks, temples, and monuments" in India for the instruction of the people, by order of the Emperor Asoka, who lived about 250 years before Christ.]

OLD HINDOO.

G.o.d is within this universe, and yet outside this universe; whoever beholds all living creatures as in Him, and Him the universal Spirit, as in all, henceforth regards no creature with contempt.

_Quoted by_ REV. J. E. CARPENTER.

TRUTH.

It fortifies my soul to know That though I perish, truth is so, That howsoe'er I stray and range, Whate'er I do, thou dost not change.

I steadier step when I recall That, if I slip, thou dost not fall.

ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH.

OUR PETS.

We, dying, fondly hope the life immortal To win at last; Yet all that live must through death's dreary portal At length have pa.s.sed.

And from the hope which shines so bright above us, My spirit turns, And for the lowlier ones, that serve and love us, Half sadly yearns.

Never a bird its glad way safely winging Through those blest skies?

Never, through pauses in the joyful singing, Its notes to rise?

Not one of those who toil's severest burdens So meekly bear, To find at last of faithful labor's guerdons An humble share?

Ah, well! I need not question; gladly rather, I'll trust in all-- a.s.sured that not without our Heavenly "Father"

The sparrows fall.

And if He foldeth in a sleep eternal Their wings to rest; Or waketh them to fly the skies supernal-- He knoweth best?

MARY SHEPPARD.

EGYPTIAN RITUAL.

G.o.d is the causer of pleasure and light, _maker of gra.s.s for the cattle_, and of fruitful trees for man, _causing the fish to live in the river and the birds to fill the air_, lying awake when all men sleep, to seek out the good of His creatures.

_Quoted by_ REV. J. E. CARPENTER.

BROTHERHOOD.

There is a higher consanguinity than that of the blood which runs through our veins,--that of the blood which makes our hearts beat with the same indignation and the same joy. And there is a higher nationality than that of being governed by the same imperial dynasty,--that of our common allegiance to the Father and Ruler of all mankind.

MAX MuLLER.

A BIRTHDAY ADDRESS.

TO ANTHONY ASHLEY COOPER, SEVENTH EARL OF SHAFTESBURY, K. G., APRIL 13, 1880.

For eighty years! Many will count them over, But none but He who knoweth all may guess What those long years have held of high endeavor, Of world-wide blessing and of blessedness.

For eighty years the champion of the right Of hapless child neglected and forlorn; Of maniac dungeoned in his double night; Of woman overtasked and labor-worn;