July 29

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.—P's. xli, 1.

Sometimes a heart is prompted to a deed

Designed to aid a brother in distress,

Yet in its action it forgets their need

Of fellow-feeling, whose good-will can bless.

The gift is taken with raised, pleading eyes,

For look or word with sympathetic ring;

But vain the search—they fall to mute surprise

Beneath a stony glance that held a sting.

Another, having less to give of gold,

Throws o'er his mite the radiance of a smile,

And, with a tenderness sweet to behold,

Offers a boon hiding no sting or guile.

Thus coming, with remembered smile and word,

Despair retreats, while Hope returns to bless.

Hearts lightened thus to efforts fresh are spurred,

Which may at length be crowned with sure success.

To give aright the soul should be aflame

With love and pity, charged with smiles for all;

Then sums, though small, a large return may claim,

While lavish ones unblessed around may fall.

Our aim should be to cheer when we bestow,

So with each boon let loving smiles be given;

Impoverished hearts may leap by smiles from woe

To hopes exultant, thence to love and Heaven.

He that does good to another man, does also good to himself; not only in the consequences, but in the very act of doing it; for the consciousness of well-doing is an ample reward.

SENECA.