August 5

O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto Him that hath called you to the heavenly kingdom. — 2 Esd 2:37

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. — 2 Cor 9:15

O Giver of each perfect gift!
This day our daily bread supply;
While from the Spirit’s tranquil depths
We drink unfailing draughts of joy.
—LYRA CATHOLICA.

The best way for a man rightly to enjoy himself, is to maintain a universal, ready, and cheerful compliance with the divine and uncreated Will in all things; as knowing that nothing can issue and flow forth from the fountain of goodness but that which is good; and therefore a good man is never offended with any piece of divine dispensation, nor hath he any reluctancy against that Will that dictates and determines all things by an eternal rule of goodness; as knowing that there is an unbounded and almighty Love that, without any disdain or envy, freely communicates itself to everything He made; that always enfolds those in His everlasting arms who are made partakers of His own image, perpetually nourishing and cherishing them with the fresh and vital influences of His grace. —DR. JOHN SMITH.