J. H. THOM. August 9 _The things which are impossible with men are possible with God_.--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 God. 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 passion, 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 assigns? 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 God 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 noble and blessed state. J. TAULER. AUGUST 11 _The Lord thy God 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. A. L. WARING.