Charles Cotton born 1630.
James Monroe, Virginia, fifth President United
States, born 1758.
Anthony Ashley, Earl of Shaftesbury, born 1801.
During a long life I have proved that not one kind word ever spoken,
not one kind deed ever done, but sooner or later returns to bless
the giver, and becomes a chain, binding men with golden bands to the
throne of God.
--Earl of Shaftesbury.
There's many a time when the bitterest thing
Is said without reason, and God knows
The courage it takes to suffer the sting,
By hiding the wounds that the heart shows.
There's many a sob we bravely keep down
For the sake of old times revered so,
There's many a head with thorns for a crown
Where kisses would soon make the heart glow.
--Edwin Leibfreed.
So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul;
If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward,
And thy hope shall not be cut off.
--Proverbs 24. 14.
My Father, if I am to-day without happiness, may I go in search of it.
Help me to remember that the will thou hast given me to overcome evil
with good I may use to overcome misery with happiness. Make me careful
that I may not be trapped by selfishness as I look for joy. May I
delight in the sweet sensations that are felt in having consideration
for others, and may I make kindness a daily habit. Amen.