Whether thou live or die,
O look not back nor tire.

Thou that art bold to fly
Through tempest, flood and fire,
Nor dost not shrink to try
Thy heart in torments dire--

If thou canst Death defy,
If thy faith is entire,
Press onward, for thine eye
Shall see thy heart's desire.

--Robert Bridges.

Doubt indulged becomes doubt realized. To determine to do anything
is half the battle. Courage is victory, timidity is defeat.

--Nelson.

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of
their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost
dwell among scorpions.

--Ezekiel 2. 6.

Gracious Father, try me again by the courage I have to-day, if thou
art judging me by the fear I held yesterday. Help me to see that
wavering is misleading and temperament is deceptive. May I learn
self-control. Amen.

OCTOBER TWENTY-FOURTH

Hugh Capet died 996.

Sir Moses Montefiore born 1784.

Daniel Webster died 1852.

Exceeding peace made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head,
And, with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again, with a great awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed--
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!

--Leigh Hunt.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great
things.

--Jeremiah 33. 3.

Lord God, may I keep within my heart that secret sympathy that adds to
the power of life. Help me to seek the things that are real, and not
be deceived by the things which only appear to be. May all with whom I
have to do feel the better for my companionship. Amen.

OCTOBER TWENTY-FIFTH

Geoffrey Chaucer died 1400.

William Hogarth died 1764.

George W. Faber born 1773.

Thomas B. Macaulay born 1800.

Wav'ring as winds the breath of fortune blows,
No power can turn it, and no prayers compose.
Deep in some hermit's solitary cell,
Repose, and ease, and contemplation dwell.
Let conscience guide thee in the day