Leaves of Life Part 22

If we live truly we shall see truly. It is as easy for the strong man to be strong as it is for the weak to be weak. When we have new perception we shall gladly disburthen the memory of the h.o.a.rded treasures as old rubbish. When a man lives with G.o.d his voice shall be as sweet as the murmur of the brook and the rustle of the corn.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The tissue of the life to be, We weave with colors all our own, And in the field of Destiny We reap as we have sown.

--Raphael.

Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

--Acts 4. 13.

Lord G.o.d, quiet me if I am not calm, that my soul may be able to contemplate and have an opportunity to grow. Help me, that I may be able even in discouragements to have the true perception of life.

Amen.

MARCH SEVENTEENTH

Saint Patrick's Day.

Ebenezer Elliott born 1781.

Dr. Thomas Chalmers born 1780.

Moncure D. Conway born 1832.

Clara Morris born 1849.

What is really wanted is to light up the spirit that is within a child. In some sense and in some effectual degree there is in every child the material of good work in the world; and in every child, not only in those who are brilliant, not only in those who are quick, but in those who are stolid, and even in those who are dull.

--William Gladstone.

If you make children happy now, you will make them happy twenty years hence by the memory of it.

--Kate Douglas Wiggin.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

--Deuteronomy 6. 6, 7.

Lord G.o.d, may I be diligent for the progress of little children. Show me how I may minister unto them; and grant that I may be able to see the necessity of giving, more than I do the pleasure of receiving. Amen.

MARCH EIGHTEENTH

William Byrd died 1674.

John C. Calhoun born 1782.

Grover Cleveland, New Jersey, twenty-second President United States, born 1837.

My minde to me a kingdom is: Such perfect joy therein I finde As far exceeds all earthly blisse That G.o.d or nature hath a.s.signede.

--William Byrd.

Teach your proud will to make those n.o.bler choices Which bring to soul and heart enduring health.

Deafen your ears to those contending voices, Look in your heart, learn your own being's wealth.

Its resources vast, its undiscovered treasure Waiting for these same idle hands to mine.

Learn that the grandest of Nature's creations May not be bounded by man's limitations.

--Rose E. Cleveland.

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him?

And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

--Job 23. 13.

Almighty G.o.d, grant that I may never succ.u.mb to the controlling influences of the body, and lose the power of my mind. May I guard the dictates of my heart and keep my mind in command to obey thy will.

Amen.

MARCH NINETEENTH

David Livingstone born 1813.

Alice French (Octave Thanet) born 1850.

William Jennings Bryan born 1860.

Isn't it interesting to get blamed for everything? But I must be thankful in feeling that I would rather perish than blame another for my misdeeds and deficiencies.

--David Livingstone.

Criticism is helpful. If a man makes a mistake, criticism enables him to correct it; if he is unjustly criticized, the criticism helps him. I have had my share of criticism since I have been in public life, but it has not prevented me from doing what I thought proper to do.

--William Jennings Bryan.

For himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.

--Hebrews 13. 5, 6.

Loving Father, I thank thee that thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and I am glad I cannot receive from thee the slights and wounds that I may give or receive from my friends. May I be considerate and more forgiving, and by my sincerity be worthy of the purpose which I pursue. Amen.