her is reported to have said: "I have lost everything except what I
have given away."

227

A SERMON OF MOHAMMED.

When God made the earth, it shook to and fro till He put mountains on it
to keep it firm. Then the angels asked, "O God, is there anything in Thy
creation stronger than these mountains?" And God replied, "Iron is
stronger than the mountains, for it breaks them." "And is there anything
in Thy creation stronger than iron?" "Yes, fire is stronger than iron,
for it melts it." "Is there anything stronger than fire?" "Yes, water,
for it quenches fire." "Is there anything stronger than water?" "Yes,
wind, for it puts water in motion." "O, our Sustainer, is there anything
in Thy creation stronger than wind?" "Yes, a good man giving alms; if he
gives it with his right hand, and conceals it from his left, he
overcomes all things." Every good act is charity; your smiling in your
brother's face, your putting a wanderer in the right road, your giving
water to the thirsty is charity; exhortation to another to do right is
charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good he has done in this
world to his fellowmen. When he dies, people will ask: "What property
has he left behind him?" But the angels will ask: "What good deeds has
he sent before him?"

228

_Charity_--It is another's fault if he be ungrateful; but it is mine if
I do not give. To find one thankful man, I will oblige many that are not
so.

--_Seneca._

229

He gives double who gives unasked.

230

He that cheats me aince (once) shame fa him; but he that cheats me twice
shame fa me.

--_Scotch._

231

The cheek Is apter than the tongue, to tell an errand.

--_Shakespeare._

232

If you have a word of cheer,
Speak it, while I am alive to hear.

_Margaret Preston._

233

You find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not
make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others?

--_L. M. Child._

234

Cheerfulness smoothes the road of life.

--_German._

235

Cheerfulness is full of significance: it suggests good health, a clear
conscience, and a soul at peace with all human nature.