—­William James.

    While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things
    which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but
    the things which are not seen are eternal.

    —­2 Corinthians 4. 18.

Almighty God, help me to remember that “the power of character is the highest point of success,” and that thou hast put within reach of all the choice ideals of life.  May I have the desire to cultivate strong purposes, and strive for high endeavors, that I may not aim for the low.  Amen.

MARCH FOURTH

Casimer Pulaski born 1748.

Sir Henry Raeburn born 1756.

E.W.  Bull, originator Concord grape, born 1806.

Alexander Graham Bell born 1847.

    It is perfectly obvious that men do necessarily absorb, out of the
    influences in which they grow up, something which gives a complexion
    to their whole after-character.

    —­Anthony Froude.

    All common things, each day’s events
      That with the hour begin and end,
    Our pleasures and our discontents
      Are rounds by which we may ascend.

    —­Henry W. Longfellow.

    Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win
    by fearing to attempt.  I

    —­Shakespeare.

    And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and
    slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone
    sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.

    —­1 Samuel 17. 49.

My Father, I would remember that my life may decline from the neglect of small things; for as thou dost nourish the wheat from flakes of snow, and supply the springs from drops of rain, so thou wilt strengthen my soul from every little blessing.  I pray that I may not forget to watch my habits, and keep track of the hours that culture and sustain my life.  Amen.

MARCH FIFTH

Correggio died 1534.

Howard Pyle born 1853.

Arthur Foote born 1853.

    When I have the time so many things I’ll do,
      To make life happier and more fair
      For those whose lives are crowded now with care,
      I’ll help to lift them from their low despair
        When I have time.

    When I have time the friend I love so well
      Shall know no more the weary, toiling days;
      I’ll lead his feet in pleasant paths always,
      And cheer his heart with words of sweetest praise,
        When I have time.

    Now is the time!  Speed, friend; no longer wait
      To scatter loving smiles and words of cheer
      To those around whose lives are drear;
      They may not need you in the far-off year: 
        Now is the time.