The poor, it is said, are peculiarly incited by their condition to envy; and yet are we sure that there is less envy among the rich, that there are fewer jealousies and heartburnings growing out of competitions and neglects in fashionable life, than spring from indigence? I am not sure that there is more discontent among the needy than among those who abound. I incline to think, that, on the whole, there is among the latter less submission to God's Providence; and for this plain reason, that success and abundance increase self-will. William Ellery Channing. It is incontestable that in striving against the feverish will to shine, in ceasing to make the satisfaction of our desires the end of our activity, in returning to modest tastes, to the true life, we shall labour for the unity of the family. Charles Wagner. Ply, Vanity, thy winged feet! Keep to your lofty pedestals! Let us remember that it is the little things that make up the atmosphere. The kind word to the child, the little faultfinding, the little nagging, — it is just these little tiny things that make the comfort or discomfort of the home. Minot J. Savage. We ought to pray in simplicity. Marcus Aurelius. Go on in all simplicity; do not be so anxious to win a quiet mind, and it will be all the quieter. Do not examine so closely into the progress of your soul. Do not crave so much to be perfect, but let your spiritual life be formed by your duties, and by the actions which are called forth by circumstances. Do not take overmuch thought for to-morrow. God, who has led you safely on so far, will lead you on to the end. St. Francis de Sales. The poor in spirit- the humble, teachable, simple minds that know the bounds of their ignorance, that know the depths of their own sinfulness, that can bear to have their faults corrected, that can look afar off and not claim any spiritual perfections that do not belong to them, that are content with saying, in silence and solitude, "God be merciful to me a sinner these little thought-of men, despised often both by the religious and irreligious, have their place in "the kingdom of God," which, as by rightful possession, is "theirs." · Dean Stanley. The fewer our wants, the nearer we resemble the gods. Socrates. RETIREMENT Inscription in a hermitage Beneath this stony roof reclined, Within my limits, lone and still, To lurk with innocence, she flies, At morn I take my customed round, God keep us through the common days, Then most we need the strength of prayer. When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present That murmur, soon replies; God doth not need Either man's work, or His own gifts: who best Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best: His state Is kingly; thousands at His bidding speed John Milton. |