Leaves of Life Part 14

It is not much To give a gentle word or kindly touch To one gone down Beneath the world's cold frown,

And yet who knows How great a thing from such a little grows?

O, oftentimes, Some brother upward climbs And hope again Uplifts its head, that in the dust had lain, Gives place to morning's light.

--E. H. Divall.

I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.

--Ezekiel 34. 16.

My Father, may I not sorrow so that I fail to comfort the sorrowing, and may I not be so happy that I fail to see that others need to be glad. I thank thee for thy providences. May I serve thee in helping others to brighter lives. Amen.

FEBRUARY EIGHTEENTH

Martin Luther died 1546.

George Peabody born 1795.

Wilson Barrett born 1846.

A mighty fortress is our G.o.d, A bulwark never failing: Our helper he amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great: And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

--Martin Luther.

Let us stand by our duty fearlessly and effectively. I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to the light that I have.

--Abraham Lincoln.

Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My G.o.d, my rock, in whom I will take refuge.

--Psalm 18. 2.

Lord G.o.d, help me to lay my life in the rocks of thy foundation, and not in moving sands which are tossed from sh.o.r.e to sh.o.r.e. May I cling to the rock that was cleft for me and trust for thy care. Amen.

FEBRUARY NINETEENTH

Copernicus born 1473.

Leonard Bacon born 1802.

W.W. Story born 1819.

Adelina Patti born 1843.

So mine are these new fruitings rich, The simple to the common brings; I keep the youth of souls who pitch Their joy in this old heart of things;

Full lasting is the song, though he The singer pa.s.ses; lasting too, For souls not lent in usury, The rapture of the forward view.

--George Meredith.

All deep things are Song. It seems, somehow, the very central essence of us, Song; as if all the rest were wrappages and hulls!

the primal element of us; of us, and all things.

--Thomas Carlyle.

Ye shall have a song as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come unto the mountain of Jehovah.

--Isaiah 30. 29.

Lord G.o.d, help me to feel the power of praise. "As words without thoughts never to heaven go," so the highest praises are never sung alone, but rendered with service and love. May I have the heart to sing thy praises far and near, and rejoice in him from whom all blessings flow. Amen.

FEBRUARY TWENTIETH

J.H. Voss born 1828.

Joseph Jefferson born 1829.

Mihaly Munkacsy (Michael Lieb) born 1844.

Who serves his country well has no need of ancestors.

--Voltaire.

Lo, Spring comes forth with all her warmth and love, She brings sweet justice from the realms above; She breaks the chrysalis, she resurrects the dead; Two b.u.t.terflies ascend encircling her head.

And so this emblem shall forever be A sign of immortality.

--Joseph Jefferson.

Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

--Psalm 73. 24.

Lord G.o.d, I pray that I may not neglect my soul in trying to fathom immortal life. If I may be hesitating between comfort and work, remind me of the greatness of the place which I started to reach. May I not grow weary of climbing and falter on the stair. Breathe upon me thy inspiration and love, that I may continue in faith all the way. Amen.

FEBRUARY TWENTY-FIRST