The Cloud of Witness Thursday

I especially like today's.

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Thursday

Sympathy.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.--Rom. xii. 15.

Man is dear to Man! the poorest Poor
Long for some moments in a weary life,
When they can know and feel that they have been
Themselves, the fathers and the dealers-out
Of some small blessings;--have been kind to such
As needed kindness.
Wordsworth.

I would have you be . . . like a fire well-kindled, which catches at everything you throw in, and turns it into flame and brightness.
M. Aurelius.

Some souls there are
Who, when they smite it, bring
Forth from the hardest rock its hidden spring.
Lytton.

Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes
Error a fault, and truth discourtesy.
Why should I feel another man's mistakes
More than his fickleness or poverty!
In love I should: but anger is not love,
Nor wisdome neither;--therefore gently move!

Be useful where thou livest, that they may
Both want and wish thy pleasing presence still:--
Kindness, good parts, great places, are the way
To compass this. Find out men's Wants and Will,
And meet them there!--All the worldly joys go less
To the one joy of doing kindnesses.
Herbert.

Find they reward in the thing
Which thou hast been blest to do,
Let the joy of others cause joy to spring
Up in thy bosom too!--
And if the love of a grateful heart
As a rich reward be given,
Lift thou the love of a grateful heart
To the God of Love in Heaven!
MacDonald.