And his song was of love and all its bringing And of certain day when the night was through; I raised my eyes where the hope was springing, And I think in his heaven God smiled too (That was a valiant soul I knew). --J. Stalker. The soul aids the body, and at certain moments raises it. It is the only bird which bears upward its own cage. --Victor Hugo. But desire earnestly the greater gifts. --1 Corinthians 12. 31. Gracious Lord, I rejoice that thou dost know the depths of my soul, and that I may call upon thee to supply its needs. Make me worthy that I may not be kept from the springs of joy where my soul may be refreshed, and where I may gather hope and encouragement for the greater loves of life. Amen. MAY FOURTEENTH John Dutton born 1659. Gabriel D. Fahrenheit born 1686. Robert Owen born 1771. Henry Grattan died 1820. They that wander at will where the Works of the Lord are revealed, Little guess what joy can be got From a cowslip out of the field. --Alfred Tennyson. Move onward serenely, cast aside regret, cleanse and purify life, only be undismayed and hopeful, as you turn page after page of the revelation of God. --Arthur C. Benson. Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. --Psalm 16. 11. My Father, I thank thee that nature reveals thy power as she unfolds her beauty and wonder to the searching eye. Guide me that I may see in the little flower the smile of welcome, the look of kindness, and the beauty of hope which it renders to all; and may I learn from it thy protection in the smallest things of life. Amen. MAY FIFTEENTH Ephraim Chambers died 1740. Florence Nightingale born 1820. Michael W. Balfe born 1808. Edmund Keane died 1833. Daniel O'Connell died 1847. Light human nature is too lightly lost And ruffled without cause, complaining on, Restless with rest, until being overthrown, It learneth to lie quiet. --Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Was the trial sore? Temptation sharp? Thank God a second time! Why comes temptation but for a man to meet And master and make crouch beneath his foot, And so be pedestaled in triumph? Pray "Lead us into no such temptations, Lord!" Yea, but, O thou whose servants are the bold, Lead such temptations by the head and hair, Reluctant dragons, up to who dares fight That so he may do battle and have praise. --Robert Browning. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. --Hebrews 2. 1. Almighty God, if I am overwhelmed by the tides of temptation and discouragement, let me not drift away to sea, but anchor and take harbor in thee. May I not be afraid to trust in thy protection, but calmly wait and watch for thy deliverance. Amen.