August 18

Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

AT first it seemed as though the sick man was recovering in the motionless stillness and in the great shadow of the cliffs. Something of this Serapion said to the little chorister, but the lad answered: "Nay, father, do you not see how the man that used to look out of his eyes has become a very little child—and of such is the kingdom of heaven?"

"Explain, little brother," said Serapion.

"Why," said the lad, "is it not thus with men when they grow so old or sick that they be like to die—does one not see that the real selves within them look out of windows with faces grown younger and smaller and more joyous, till it may be that what was once a strong man, wise and great, is but a babe which can scarce walk at all?"

"Who told thee these things?" asked Serapion.

"No one has told me," replied the lad, "but seeing the little children thus gazing out, and knowing that all who would enter into heaven must become as they are, I thought it must needs be in this manner that people change and pass away to God when the ending of life is come."

WILLIAM CANTON

PEACE AT EVENING

O spare me that I may recover strength, before I go hence and be no more.