June 2
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeSecond Sunday after Easter
Even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. I S. PETER ii. 21.
PATIENCE is the endurance of any evil, out of the love of God, as the will of God. There is nothing too little in which to approve ourselves to God; nothing too little in which, without God, we should not fail; nothing too great which, with the help of God, we may not endure. We have need of patience with ourselves, with others; with those who love us and those who love us not; and under our daily burdens; disappointments as to the weather or the breaking of the heart; in the weariness of the body, or the wearing of the soul; in our own failure of duty, or others' failure towards us; in everyday wants, in the aching of sickness, the decay of age; in disappointment, bereavement, injuries, reproaches; in heaviness of the heart amid delayed hopes, from which we would be free, that we might have no more struggle with sin within or temptation without, but attain to everlasting peace in our rest in God. In all these things, from childhood's little troubles to the martyr's sufferings, patience is the grace of God whereby we endure evil for the love of God, and keep ourselves still that we offend not God.
Give me not what I ask, but what is good. Merciful Saviour, unto Thee I look; Oh, teach me these repining thoughts to brook. I know I were not happier, though endued With all on which my unbridled longings brood; For joy to me hath ever been a gale Which, like some demon filling the glad sail, Wantoned awhile on summer seas, and wooed To tempt o'er hidden shoals. Make me Thine own And take me; of myself I am afraid, Oh take me from myself; oh take away Whate'er of self is in me, and, I pray, Give me on what my spirit may be stayed, And that I know full well is but Thyself alone.