May 21

They sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.—ACTS xi, 22, 23.

Thy purpose firm is equal to the deed;

Who does the best his circumstance allows,

Does well, acts nobly; angels could do no more.

YOUNG.

Your true man, your true woman, is the man or the woman with a purpose, who bends all circumstances and privileges to the accomplishment of that purpose; and there are no circumstances so adverse, no spheres of service so small that cannot be made glorious by high purpose. The most limited talents, the smallest opportunities are, by the magic of an earnest purpose, transformed into rich channels of blessing to the world.

G. H. HUBBARD.

A purpose is always a companion, and an earnest purpose is the closest of companions. To fulfill duties is more than to enjoy pleasures. Keeping the mind constantly employed leaves no time for useless forbodings or vain regrets. Much of the bitterest loneliness in the world arises from an exorbitant and morbid self-regard, the important presence of self in attention.

ANONYMOUS.