Suffering gives us the richest thoughts That to literature can belong;— In poetry it strikes the sweetest note And inspires the tenderest song. Our troubles are but the inlets small That shall lead to the human soul, Thro’ which the Comforter comes to heal And to strengthen us for the Goal. The rarest of saints are afflicted By One who doth know what is right; And the stars shall ever shine brightest That contend with the darkest night. MY CHOICE. Not the bird that soars the highest, Nor whose plumage is the brightest, But the bird that sings the sweetest Is the bird I prize. Not the flower that blooms the tallest, Nor whose petals are the whitest, But whose fragrance is completest Satisfies my eyes. Not the brook that laughs the loudest, Nor whose waters are the purest, But the brook that runs the fleetest To the mill and sea. Not the soul that soars the quickest, But whose faith in God is surest, And whose record is the neatest Is the soul for me. ENDEAVOR. Life’s morning hour is never quite complete If climbing upward at the break of day We fail to show to others, whom we meet, New glories found along the heavenly way. If by endeavor, step by step we take, And for another breathe a loving prayer And lead him up to see the morning break, We find a blessing as we journey there. The noon of life, when sunlight floods the skies, Is never quite so pleasing to our sight, As when we help a fallen brother rise And by his side direct his steps aright. The way grows brighter as we pass along, For not alone we seek the heights untried; A soul is breathing us a thankful song— The weary one is toiling by our side. The twilight of the life God gives us here Is never quite so filled with peace and rest As when we journey on with naught to fear, Tho’ sunset light is fading in the west. The night comes not to those who look above, For on the summit soon they all shall stand, Who leave the vale and seek the Father’s love, Which bids them welcome to the promised land. Thus by endeavor—step by step each day We climb above, where other feet have trod, And leading others up the heavenly way Find rest and day eternal with our God. SERVICE. If you love and trust the Saviour You can find enough to do; His good deeds and His compassion Will be done and felt by you. His great aims will all be cherished If with Him you’re really one; Can you think of Christ as idle While so much remains undone? His self-sacrificing spirit Will be exercised by you; And your faith will aid you ever While love guides and makes it true.