May 1

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.—ISA. xl, 31.

The narrow way that leads up to heaven Must here through strife and tribulation lie; Then on the thorny path may strength be given, This sinful flesh, O Lord, to crucify. O take this feebleness away, And make me strong to meet each future day!

Here daily crosses come to try our weakness, Here every member must a burden bear; But, O my Saviour, if I take with meekness The cross appointed by Thy love and care, Too great, too long, it will not be, For it is weighed and measured out by Thee.

So help me, Lord, Thy holy will to suffer, And still a learner at Thy feet to be: Give faith and patience when the way is rougher, And at the end a joyful victory. Thus grief itself is changed to song Ofttimes on earth, but evermore ere long. KARL HEINRICH VON BOGATZKI.

Affliction is a kind of moral gymnasium in which the disciples of Christ are trained to robust exercise, hardy exertion, and severe conflict.

HANNAH MORE.

Affliction is a school of virtue; it corrects levity, and interrupts the confidence of sinning.

FRANCIS ATTERBURY.