3. The good which our exertions effect, may rarely or never become visible. In teaching, which is the readiest of good uses, how often does all exertion seem in vain! Our duty is, nevertheless, to persevere, and strive to do all we can, leaving the result with Providence. Every man should go on working, never debating within himself, nor wavering in doubt, whether it may succeed, but labor as if, of necessity, it must succeed. 4. Between the result of a single effort and the end we have in view, and the magnitude of the obstacles to be overcome, there may often appear a large and painful disproportion: but we must not allow ourselves to be discouraged by seemings; warm, hearty, sunny endeavor will unfailingly meet with its reward. Good uses are never without result. Once enacted, they become a part of the moral world. They give to it a new enrichment and beauty, and the whole universe partakes of their influence. They may not return in the shape wherein played forth, but likelier after the manner of seed, which never forgets to turn to flowers. 5. Philosophers tell us, that, since the creation of the world, not one particle of matter has been lost. It may have passed into new shapes; it may have combined with other elements; it may have floated away in vapor: but it comes back some time, in the dew-drop or the rain, helping the leaf to grow, and the fruit to swell: through all its wanderings and transformations, Providence watches over and directs it. So it is with every generous and self-denying effort. It may escape our observation, and be utterly forgotten; it may seem to have been utterly in vain but it has painted itself on the eternal world, and is never effaced. Nothing that has the ideas and principles of Heaven in it can die or be fruitless. 6. “Talk not of wasted affection; affection never was wasted: If it enrich not the heart of another, its waters re turning Back to their spring, like the rain, shall fill it full of refreshment. That which the fountain sends forth, returns again to the fountain." 7. Carlyle1 says, "It is from our work we gain most of our self-knowledge,- one of the most important desiderata * of life. Our works are the mirror within which the spirit first sees its natural lineaments. Know thyself' is an impossible precept till it be translated into this partially possible one, Know what thou canst work at." Work is obedience, and self-knowledge is invaluable; and thus is proved that duty and interest are but two names for one fact. 1. LESSON LIL THE USES OF LIFE. HARPER'S MAGAZINE. HOUGH we climb Fame's proudest hight; THOUGH Though we sit on hills afar, Where the thrones of triumph are; Though all deepest mysteries be open to our sight; For the world another dower, If this great Humanity share not in our gain, * DESIDERATA, things desired. 2. Though we revel in sweet dreams ; Though with poet's eye we look Full on Nature's open book, And our spirits wander, singing with the birds and If we draw no spirit heavenward by the strain,— 3. Though our lot be calm and bright; Though upon our brows we wear Youth, and grace, and beauty rare, And the hours go swiftly, singing in their flight; If we let no glory down Any darkened life to crown, If our grace and joyance have no ministry for pain, We have lived our life in vain.. 4. Though for weary years we toil; Though we gather all the gold From the mines of wealth untold; Though from farthest shores of ocean we have brought the spoil; What, at the last, is won, If we hear not God's "Well done"? If the world's want and sorrow be not lessened by our gain, We have lived our life in vain. 5. Though we be, in heart and hand, Mighty with all foes to cope, Rich in courage and in hope, Fitted as strong laborers in the world to stand; What avails it to be strong? If we strengthen not the weak, raise not the bowed again, We have lived our life in vain. 6. To the giver shall be given: If thou wouldest walk in light, Make other spirits bright: Who, seeking for himself alone, ever entered Heaven? In blessing we are blest; In labor find our rest: If we bend not to the world's work, heart, and hand, and brain, We have lived our life in vain. 7. Selfishness is utter loss: Life's most perfect joy and good Ah! how few have understood! Only One hath proved it fully, and He died upon the cross, Taking on Himself the curse So to bless a universe: If we follow not His footsteps through the pathway straight and plain, — We have lived our life in vain. 1. EASE CEASE LESSON LIII. LOFTY ASPIRATIONS. DEM. REVIEW, (EASE your wild fluttering, thoughts that fill the soul! Silence awhile; 'tis but the hour of birth! Spurn not impatiently the mind's control, Nor seek the clouds ere ye have looked on earth: Still your strong beating till the day has gone And starry eve comes on! 2. Why would ye sweep so proudly through the sky, And tempt the lightning's wrath? 3. Will ye not linger in the earth's green fields 4. Throb not so wildly, restless spirit, now! Deep and undying though thy impulse be: Would not the roses wither on thy brow, When from thy weary chains at last made free'? In such hot glare, would not the proud crest stoop, And the scorched pinion droop?? |