July 22

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. — Isa 26:3

How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in reasoning, and are so afraid to stand the test of ridicule?
— Earl of Shaftesbury.

He that of such a height hath built his mind,
And reared the dwelling of his thoughts so strong,
As neither fear nor hope can shake the frame
Of his resolved powers; nor all the wind
Of vanity or malice pierce to wrong
His settled peace, or to disturb the same:
What a fair seat hath he, from whence he may
The boundless wastes and wilds of man survey?
— Samuel Daniel.

Prayer

O Lord, it is not that I am ashamed to ask thee for the truth that I do not more diligently seek it, but it is because I fear the sacrifice that may follow in obtaining it. I would that I could understand that thy strength is given in the sacrifice. Make me braver as I seek to live in the truth. Amen.