I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
      No sudden rending of the veil of clay: 
    No angel visitant, no opening skies—­
    But take the dimness of my soul away.

    —­George Croly.

    For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which
    he possesseth.

    —­Luke 12. 15.

Eternal God, help me to honor my life; and may I realize, whether I select good or bad, much or little, the harvesting is for eternity.  Grant that I may not make my life accumulate gold and grandeur, and laden it with much spending; but may I strive and love what thou dost love, and make my life worthy of my labor.  Amen.

JULY NINTH

Henry Hallam born 1777.

Edmund Burke died 1797.

Elias Howe born 1819.

    Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably
    to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words or in
    good order.

    —­Francis Bacon.

When anyone provokes you, be assured it is your opinion which provokes you.  Try therefore, in the first place, not to be hurried away with appearance.  For if you once gain time and respite, you will more easily command yourself.

    —­Epictetus.

    Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye
    may know how ye ought to answer each one.

    —­Colossians 4. 6.

My Father, help me to learn through kindness and tenderness the value of self-control.  Help me in the moods of jealousy and impatience, that I may not cause others unhappiness by words or deeds.  Teach me how to overcome the ways that keep me discontented, that I may have a brighter speech.  Amen.

JULY TENTH

John Calvin born 1509.

Sir William Blackstone born 1723.

Frederick Marryat born 1792.

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath.  It is twice blessed;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. 
’Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;

* * * * *

It is enthroned in the hearts of kings;
It is an attribute to God himself.

—­William Shakespeare.

His gain is loss; for he that wrongs his friend
Wrongs himself more, and ever has about
A silent court and jury, and himself
The prisoner at the bar, ever condemned.

    —­Alfred Tennyson.

    Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are
    spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to
    thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

    —­Galatians 6. 1.