August 9

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. — Luke 18:27

Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. — Ps 94:17

When obstacles and trials seem
Like prison-walls to be,
I do the little I can do,
And leave the rest to Thee.
—F. W. FABER.

The mind never puts forth greater power over itself than when, in great trials, it yields up calmly its desires, affections, interests to God. There are seasons when to be still demands immeasurably higher strength than to act. Composure is often the highest result of power. Think you it demands no power to calm the stormy elements of passion, to moderate the vehemence of desire, to throw off the load of dejection, to suppress every repining thought, when the dearest hopes are withered, and to turn the wounded spirit from dangerous reveries and wasting grief, to the quiet discharge of ordinary duties? Is there no power put forth, when a man, stripped of his property, of the fruits of a life’s labors, quells discontent and gloomy forebodings, and serenely and patiently returns to the tasks which Providence assigns?
—WM. E. CHANNING.