If I do what I may in earnest, I need not mourn if I work no great work on earth. To help the growth of a thought that struggles toward the light; to brush with gentle hand the stain from the white of one snowdrop--such be my ambition. --George Macdonald. Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all thy work, and in all that thou puttest thy hand unto. --Deuteronomy 15. 10. Lord God, I pray that I may not through conceit be betrayed into slacking my work, or through visions of greatness lose it. Teach me how to obtain the secret wealth in the smallest thing; and may I recognize thy treasures, and fill my life with the finest that may be given me. Amen. JUNE TWENTIETH John of Lancaster born 1389. Dr. Adam Ferguson born 1723. Anna Letitia Aiken (Mrs. Barbauld) born 1743. If the soft hand of winning Pleasure leads By living waters, and through flowery meads, Where all is smiling, tranquil, and serene, Oh! teach me to elude each latent snare, And whisper to my sliding heart, "Beware!" With caution let me hear the Syren's voice, And doubtful, with a trembling heart rejoice. If friendless in a vale of tears I stray, Where briars wound, and thorns perplex my way, Still let my steady soul thy goodness see, And, with a strong confidence, lay hold on Thee. --Anna Letitia Barbauld. For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. --Psalm 66. 10. O Lord, teach me to select my pleasures with care, that I may not plunge into joyful moments that are irretrievable. May I indulge in the pleasures that bring happiness and not weariness. Grant that I may have the honor to protect others from harm and loss, as I engage in my pleasures and in my work. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-FIRST Captain John Smith died 1631. Anthony Collins born 1676. Jacques Offenbach born 1819. In our eagerness to solve life we start out to trace its mysteries and trample God's truths as we search. As we return we discover the shattered treasures, and gladly stoop to gather up the fragments, and with them translate the revelations of the soul. --M.B.S. I stretch my hands out in the empty air; I strain my eyes into the heavy night; Blackness of darkness!--Father, hear my prayer; Grant me to see the light! --George Arnold. But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father. --Luke 15. 17, 18. Heavenly Father, I pray that as I search for the truth I will not be so eager to seek thy mysteries as I am to extend thy ministries. Grant that by thy love I will be guided in comprehending and exalting thy kingdom. May my service bring me wisdom as I obey thy laws. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-SECOND Matthew Henry died 1714. Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt born 1767. H. Rider Haggard born 1856.