Leaves of Life Part 98

That low man goes on adding one to one, His hundred's soon hit: This high man, aiming at a million, Misses an unit.

That, has the world here--should he need the next, Let the world mind him!

This, throws himself on G.o.d, and unperplexed Seeking shall find him.

--Robert Browning.

Hitch your wagon to a star.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson.

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.

--Psalm 27. 8.

Almighty G.o.d, show me what thou hast given for me to do, that I may not leave undone that which is mine. Forgive me for useless planning and blind asking for the things which cannot be mine. I pray that my work may be honest work, well done, and acceptable for thy service.

Amen.

DECEMBER SEVENTH

Cicero a.s.sa.s.sinated B.C. 43.

John Dalton born 1766.

Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, born 1542.

It is virtue--yes, let me repeat it again--it is virtue alone that can give birth, strength, and permanency to friendship. For virtue is a uniform and steady principle ever acting consistently with itself.

--Cicero.

A common friendship--who talks of a common friendship? There is no such thing in the world. On earth no word is more sublime.

--Henry Drummond.

But thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need.

--Deuteronomy 15. 8.

Lord G.o.d, wilt thou reveal to me my weakness if I may be insincere; and give me the strength that I lack to keep me true. May I not take advantage of the ignorant, or thoughtlessly lead the innocent into temptation. Grant that I may be a trustful and kind friend. Amen.

DECEMBER EIGHTH

John Pym died 1643.

Richard Baxter died 1691.

Thomas De Quincey died 1859.

Elihu Burritt born 1810.

Robert Collyer born 1823.

Into the dusk of the East, Gray with the coming of night, This may we know at least-- After the night comes light!

Over the mariners' graves, Grim in the depths below, Buoyantly breasting the waves, Into the East we go.

On to a distant strand, Wonderful, far, unseen, On to a stranger land, Skimming the seas between; On through the days and nights, Hope in each sailor's breast, On till the harbor lights Flash on the sh.o.r.es of rest!

J.H. Jowett.

So he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

--Psalm 107. 30.

Lord G.o.d, I pray that thou wilt provide me with thy indwelling peace.

May it keep me reconciled to the decline of years, and enable me to bear the earthly separation from those whom I love. May I always have hope and trust in thee. Amen.

DECEMBER NINTH

John Milton born 1608.

Sir Anthony Van Dyck died 1641.

Joel Chandler Harris born 1848.

Doth G.o.d exact day labor, light denied?

I fondly ask: but Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies, "G.o.d doth not need Either man's work, or his own gifts; who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best; his state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; They also serve who only stand and wait."

--John Milton.

"'Tain't on'y chilluns w'at got de consate er doin' eve'ything dey see yuther folks do. Hit's grown folks w'at oughter know better,"

said Uncle Remus.

--Joel Chandler Harris.

Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to G.o.d with reverence and awe.

--Hebrews 12. 28.

My Father, teach me to select my work from that which is n.o.ble and true. May I not mold my life in affectation or feel that I must imitate the lives of others, but grant that I may perfect my life through experiences which are worthy of increasing endeavors. Amen.