Diego R. Velasquez born 1599.
Pierre Corneille born 1606.
Nathan Hale born 1755.
Sir John Stainer born 1840.
These stones that make the meadow brooklet murmur
Are the keys on which it plays.
O'er every shelving rock its touch grows firmer,
Resounding notes to raise.
If every path o'er which footsteps wander,
Were smooth as ocean strand,
There were no theme for gratitude and wonder
At God's delivering hand.
--W. E. Winks.
We also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation
worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness; and
approvedness, hope.
--Romans 5. 3, 4.
My Father, if rain may come to-day, may I realize its help, with the
power of the sun, to increase life; and may its influence be sweet and
wholesome to me, as I learn that sadness is temporary and will
disappear with the coming of gladness. May I go search for the joy
that may be mine to-day. Amen.