Leaves of Life Part 95

Sir William Ware born 1594.

John Elwes died 1789.

John Loudoun Macadam died 1836.

I'd like a way To change the clouds that bring us sorrow, And build to-day a bright to-morrow; To banish cares that tarry long, And have the days like the blue-bird's song-- I'd like a way.

I'll find a way-- I'll set sail when the breeze is high, And calmly drift when pleasure's nigh; I'll steer a course afar from tears, And take in joy the coming years-- I'll find a way.

I've lost the way!

Out through the gloom a beam of light Looks like a purpose looming bright!

Up with the sail! I'll out to sea And bring that purpose back with me, Or go its way.

--M.B.S.

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and merciful, and righteous.

--Psalm 112. 4.

My Father, I pray that I may not through indifference wander without a purpose, or through discouragement stumble through the darkness. May I be drawn to the light by the vision of hopeful and useful days. Amen.

NOVEMBER TWENTY-SEVENTH

Horace died B.C. 8.

Marquise d'Aubigne Maintenon born 16324.

General Artemus Ward born 1727.

f.a.n.n.y Kemble born 1809.

Alexandra Dumas died 1895.

Be this thy brazen bulwark of defense, to preserve a conscience void of offense, and never turn pale with guilt.

--Horace.

Is life a noxious weed which whirlwinds sow?

A useless flint o'er which the waters flow?

Not so!

A life well spent has not its weight in gold; It is the clearest crystal earth doth hold, A gem beside which suns seem dull and cold.

--Robert Louis Stevenson.

That they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

--1 Timothy 6. 19.

Lord G.o.d, I pray that my life may not be impoverished by neglect, nor burdened with indulgences, but that it may be kept in condition for high endeavors. Grant that I may never be content to rest in satisfaction and ease when I could struggle and accomplish a good work. Amen.

NOVEMBER TWENTY-EIGHTH

William Blake born 1757.

Anton G. Rubinstein born 1829

Was.h.i.+ngton Irving died 1859.

The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced. Every other wound we seek to heal, every other affliction to forget. Take warning by the bitterness of this thy contrite affliction over the dead, and henceforth be more faithful and affectionate in the discharge of thy duties to the living.

--Was.h.i.+ngton Irving.

Joy and woe are woven fine, A clothing for the soul divine; Every grief and pine Runs a joy with a silken twine.

--William Blake.

Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

--John 16. 20.

Heavenly Father, grant that I may not lose the kindness that I may give and receive to-day. I thank thee for the memories of yesterday, the hope of to-morrow, and the wisdom of to-day. May I have a vision of immortality that will keep me through the closest sorrow. Amen.

NOVEMBER TWENTY-NINTH

Sir Philip Sidney born 1554.

A. Bronson Alcott born 1799.

Wendell Phillips born 1811.

Louisa M. Alcott born 1832.

Truth is sensitive and jealous of the least encroachment of its sacredness.

--A. Bronson Alcott.

Faith that withstood the shocks of toil and time, Hope that defied despair, Patience that conquered care, And loyalty whose courage was sublime;

Teaching us how to seek the highest goal, To earn the true success; To live to love, to bless, And make death proud to take a royal soul.