THE NINE PARADISES. In the nine heavens are eight Paradises: Where is the ninth one? In the human breast. Only the blessed dwell in the Paradises: But Blessedness dwells in the human breast. The uncreated Maker in the breast. Rather, O man! want those eight paradises When thou the ninth one hast within thy breast. XXX. Fill Thy place in the Struggle for I, the Lord, search the heart: I try the inward parts, even to give every man according to his ways and the fruit of his doings.—Jeremiah xvii. 10. URELY, when death is at hand, we should desire to say, "I have contributed my grain to the great store of the eternal. I have borne my part in the struggle for goodness." If the thought of death has helped us so spend our lives, we may well be thankful. And let no man or woman suppose that the smallest social act of goodness is wasted for society at large. All our help, petty though it be, is needed, and though we know not the manner, the fruit of every faithful service is surely gathered in. Let the true and noble words of a great teacher ring in conclusion upon our ears: "The growing good of the world is partly dependent on unrecorded acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs." The Home Life. As for me I and my house, we will serve the Lord. -Joshuah. The first sure symptom of a mind in health Is rest of heart and pleasure felt at home. - Young. |