February 23
Companions of the Way (Morning)I will refine them as silver is refined, and try them as gold is tried.
AROUND us from all sides comes the cry, spoken or unspoken, "Give us of your oil." But we who are not unsupplied are being sternly taught to reply, "Not so; but go ye to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."
"To them that sell." The "Water of Life" is for all that are athirst; the "wine and milk" are without money and without price. But the oil, the supply of light for other lives, this must truly be bought with a price. Not at second-hand, not by sitting at our ease and absorbing the thoughts of others, can we become as lamps to show forth the path of life. Our own hearts must first be baptized with fire, and our knowledge bought at the cost of suffering.
CAROLINE EMELIA STEPHEN
SUFFER THAT YOU MAY GIVE