Lord forbid that I should fear to change for the better or be so pleased with myself and the things which surround me that I feel no need for a higher life. Make me dissatisfied if I am not trying to grow in truth and to live in n.o.ble deeds. Amen.

APRIL TWENTY-SEVENTH

Samuel Morse born 1791.

Lajos Kossuth born 1802.

Herbert Spencer born 1820.

Ulysses S. Grant, Ohio, eighteenth President United States, born 1822.

Ralph Waldo Emerson died 1882.

People who are dishonest, or rash, or stupid will inevitably suffer the penalties of dishonesty, or rashness, or stupidity.

--Herbert Spencer.

Abide in the simple and n.o.ble regions of thy life; obey thy heart.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Well, then, we must cut our way out.

--General Grant.

Wherefore take up the whole armor of G.o.d, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

--Ephesians 6. 13.

Loving Father, help me to live a simple and n.o.ble life. Grant that I may have the blessedness that comes through peace, and escape the misery that comes from cruelty and untruth. Through my life may what I reap show that I have been careful in choosing and cultivating what I have sown. Amen.

APRIL TWENTY-EIGHTH

Charles Cotton born 1630.

James Monroe, Virginia, fifth President United States, born 1758.

Anthony Ashley, Earl of Shaftesbury, born 1801.

During a long life I have proved that not one kind word ever spoken, not one kind deed ever done, but sooner or later returns to bless the giver, and becomes a chain, binding men with golden bands to the throne of G.o.d.

--Earl of Shaftesbury.

There's many a time when the bitterest thing Is said without reason, and G.o.d knows The courage it takes to suffer the sting, By hiding the wounds that the heart shows.

There's many a sob we bravely keep down For the sake of old times revered so, There's many a head with thorns for a crown Where kisses would soon make the heart glow.

--Edwin Leibfreed.

So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off.

--Proverbs 24. 14.

My Father, if I am to-day without happiness, may I go in search of it.

Help me to remember that the will thou hast given me to overcome evil with good I may use to overcome misery with happiness. Make me careful that I may not be trapped by selfishness as I look for joy. May I delight in the sweet sensations that are felt in having consideration for others, and may I make kindness a daily habit. Amen.

APRIL TWENTY-NINTH

Michel Ruyter died 1676.

Abbe Charles de St. Pierre died 1743.

Matthew Va.s.sar born 1792.

Edward Rowland Sill born 1841.

Never yet was a springtime, Late though lingered the snow, That the sap stirred not at the whisper Of the south wind, sweet and low; Never yet was a springtime When the buds forgot to blow.

Ever the wings of the summer Are folded under the mold; Life that has known no dying, Is Love's, to have and to hold, Till, sudden, the burgeoning Easter!

The song! the green and the gold![1]

--Margaret E. Sangster.

In tracing the shade, I shall find out the sun.

--Owen Meredith.

All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness.

--Hebrews 12. 11.

Almighty G.o.d, grant that as the fulfillment of the green comes to the withered gra.s.s, so thy restoring may come to me with the glory of life that comes in the resurrection of the soul. I trust thee to bring me out of winter's seal, that I may help make the spring. Amen.

[Footnote 1: From Easter Bells. Copyright, 1897, by Harper & Brothers.]

APRIL THIRTIETH