Leaves of Life Part 43

John Kendrick Bangs born 1862.

To your judgments give ye not the reins With too much eagerness, like him who ere The corn be ripe, is fain to count the grains: For I have seen the briar through the winter snows Look sharp and stiff--yet on a future day High on its summit bear the tender rose: And s.h.i.+p I've seen, that through the storm hath pa.s.sed, Securely bounding o'er the watery way, At entrance of the harbor wrecked at last.

--Dante, translated by Wright.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make them free, While G.o.d is marching on.

--Julia Ward Howe.

Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding.

--Proverbs 3. 5.

Lord G.o.d, help me to know my ability, that I may not attempt with weakness that which requires strength to undertake; and make me stable that I may not relax vigilance even though victory seems a.s.sured.

Amen.

MAY TWENTY-EIGHTH

William Pitt born 1759.

Thomas Moore born 1779.

Louis Aga.s.siz born 1807.

The bird let loose in eastern skies, When hastening fondly home, Ne'er stoops to earth her wing, nor flies Where idle warblers roam; But high she shoots through air and light, Above all low delay, Where nothing earthly bounds her flight, Nor shadow dims her way.

--Thomas Moore.

Remember, the essence of religion is, a heart void of offense toward G.o.d and man; not subtle speculative opinions, but an active principle of faith.

--William Pitt.

And hope putteth not to shame; because the love of G.o.d hath been shed abroad in our hearts.

--Romans 5. 5.

G.o.d of mercy, reveal to me the hallowed life. May I be reminded that, while I may save and keep the dust from things that perish, my life, though unkept and undeveloped, tells in itself the value and need of the most watchful care. Amen.

MAY TWENTY-NINTH

Patrick Henry born 1736.

Joseph Fouche born 1763.

Josephine died 1814.

Gerald Ma.s.sey born 1829.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty G.o.d. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

--Patrick Henry.

Though hearts brood o'er the past, our eyes With smiling features glisten; For lo! our day bursts up the skies, Lean out your souls and listen!

The world is following freedom's way, And ripening with her sorrow; Take heart! Who bears the cross to-day Shall wear the crown to-morrow.

--Gerald Ma.s.sey.

For G.o.d gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

--2 Timothy 1. 7.

Lord G.o.d, may I never feel that I have a right to sell thy joys, nor the privilege of giving away my burdens. Grant that I may not forsake my principles, but may I keep the way clear that memory may find an unruffled rest. Amen.

MAY THIRTIETH

Decoration Day.

Joan d'Arc burned at Rouen 1431.

Alexander Pope died 1744.

Voltaire died 1778.

Alfred Austin born 1835.

Here is the nation G.o.d has builded by our hands. What shall we do with it? Who stands ready to act again and always in the spirit of this day of reunion and hope and patriotic fervor? The day of our country's life has but broadened into morning. Do not put uniforms by. Put the harness of the present on. Lift your eyes to the great tracts of life yet to be conquered in the interest of righteous peace, of that prosperity which lies in a people's hearts and outlasts all wars and errors of men.

--Woodrow Wilson.

Cover them over with beautiful flowers: Deck them with garlands these brothers of ours; Lying so silent, by night and by day, Sleeping the years of their manhood away;

Give them the laurels they lost with their life.

--Will Carleton.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

--John 15. 13.