June 20

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.—ROM. xii, 19.

A noble heart doth teach a virtuous scorn,

To scorn to owe a duty overlong;

To scorn to be for benefits foreborne,

To scorn to lie, to scorn to do a wrong,

To scorn to bear an injury in mind,

To scorn a free-born heart slave-like to bind.

But if for wrongs we needs revenge must have,

Then be our vengeance of the noblest kind;

Do we his body from our fury save,

And let our hate prevail against our mind.

What can 'gainst him a greater vengeance be,

Than make his foe more worthy far than he?

LADY ELIZABETH CAREY.

Hath any wronged thee? Be bravely revenged; slight it, and the work's begun; forgive it, 'tis finished: he is below himself that is not above an injury.

FRANCIS QUARLES.

You cannot hurt a Christian. I wish to impress this fact upon your mind so that you will not forget it during all the days of your life. All the annoyance, vexations, and trials you may cause a Christian makes him cling the more tenaciously to that Saviour, who helps all those who love Him bear their burdens. Were you to deprive a Christian of life, you would only hasten the time when he would dwell with the blessed where sin and sorrow are no more. Each trial patiently endured by a Christian adds one more jewel to the crown he will receive in Heaven.

JAMES V. ELLIS.