JULY TWENTY-FOURTH
Reading edition
Rev. John Newton born 1725.
John P. Curran born 1750.
J. G. Holland born 1819.
As the winged arrow flies Speedily the mark to find; As the lightning from the skies Darts and leaves no trace behind; Swiftly thus our fleeting days Bear us down life's rapid stream; Upward, Lord, our spirits raise; All below is but a dream. —John Newton.
O gentlemen! the time is short; To spend that shortness basely were too long, If life did ride upon a dial's point, Still ending at the arrival of an hour. —William Shakespeare.
Jehovah, make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; Let me know how frail I am. —Psalm 39. 4.
Lord, forbid that I should overcast my life with intentions, and neglect to put in the deeds. May I not be satisfied to spend my days in being merely occupied, but live to learn and work. May I not be dismayed over what I might have been, but with all my might do what I can now. Amen.