To live within a cave--it is most good; But if God made a day, And some one come, and say, "Lo! I have gathered faggots in the wood!" E'en let him stay, And light a fire, and fan a temporal mood! So sit till morning! when the light is grown That he the path can read, Then bid the man Godspeed! His morning is not thine: yet must thou own Those ashes on the stone. They have a cheerful warmth. --Thomas Edward Brown. It is given to us sometimes, even in our everyday life, to witness the saving influence of a noble nature, the divine efficacy of rescue that may lie in a self-subduing act of fellowship. --George Eliot. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me. --Matthew 25. 40. Father of mankind, may I not be a barrier to the discouraged, but help them in the ways of encouragement. May I not allow pride and prejudice to keep me from acts of love and deeds of kindness, but may I be worthy of thy trust. Amen. AUGUST SIXTH Ben Jonson died 1637. Francois Fenelon born 1651. Daniel O'Connell born 1775. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, born 1809. O well for him whose will is strong! He suffers, but he will not suffer long; He suffers, but he cannot suffer wrong; For him nor moves the loud world's random mock, Not all Calamity's hugest waves confound, Who seems a promontory rock, That compassed round with turbulent sound, In middle ocean meets the surging shock, Tempest-buffeted, citadel-crowned. --Alfred Tennyson. Grandeur of character lies in force of soul--that is, in the force of thought, moral principle, and love; and this may be found in the humblest condition of life. --William Ellery Channing. So then, brethren, stand fast. --2 Thessalonians 2. 15. Eternal God, help me that I may not be deceived by my surroundings as I seek to have life abundantly. Instruct me that it is by the way of character that I must attain the laws of growth, and learn reverence for the spirit of divine life. Amen. AUGUST SEVENTH Battle of Thermopylae B.C. 480. Frederick William (Dean) Farrar born 1831. Alexander M. Bell died 1905. Although a friend may remain faithful in misfortune, yet none but the very best and loftiest will remain faithful to us after our errors and our sins. --Dean Farrar. Friendship is like a debt of honor: the moment it is talked of it loses its real name, and assumes the more ungrateful form of obligation. From hence we find that those who regularly undertake to cultivate friendship find ingratitude generally repays their endeavors. --Oliver Goldsmith. For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue. --Psalm 141. 5.