July 24

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.—PROV. XVI, 32.

Keep a watch on your words, my sisters, For words are wonderful things;

They are sweet, like the bee's fresh honey— Like bees they have terrible stings!

They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine, And brighten a lonely life;

They can cut in the strife of anger, Like an open two-edged knife.

Let them pass through the lips unchallenged, If their errand is true and kind—

If they come to support the weary, To comfort and help the blind;

If a bitter, revengeful spirit Prompt the words, let them be unsaid;

They may flash through a brain like lightning, Or fall on the heart like lead.

Keep them back, if they're cold and cruel, Under bar and lock and seal;

The wounds they make, my sisters, Are always slow to heal.

God guard your lips, and ever, From the time of your early youth,

May the words that you daily utter Be the words of beautiful truth.

If there is any person to whom you feel dislike, that is the person of whom you ought never to speak.

R. CECIL.