August 22

Fifth Thursday after Trinity

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. 1 S. PETER iii. 10.

AFTER the example of Him "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." Come to God and beg of Him grace to devote yourselves to Him. Beg of Him the will to follow Him. Oh how sweet, soothing, and satisfying is it to lead a holy life! It is difficult at first; but with God's grace all things are possible. How pleasant to have done with sin! how good and joyful to flee temptation! how meet and right to die unto sin, to live unto righteousness! Great acts may be out of reach to most of us. All can restrain the tongue. Let all you say be dictated by a spirit of humility. Let your speech be meek, sincere, and truthful. Guard yourself from equivocations, artifices; for although it may not be advisable to say all sorts of truths at all times, it is never allowable to speak contrary to truth. God is the God of truth. When you hear any one spoken ill of, make the accusation doubtful, if you can do it justly; if not, excuse the intention of the person accused; divert the discourse (they who do not fall owe all the thanks to God); recall the detractor to himself with meekness; declare some good action of the party offended.

Thou must be true thyself, If thou the truth wouldst teach; Thy soul must overflow, if thou Another's soul wouldst reach! It needs the overflow of heart To give the lips full speech.

Speak truly, and each word of thine Shall be a fruitful seed; Live truly, and thy life shall be A great and noble creed.