Ah me, and one must set a hand
      To burnish up the task,
    And hush and hush the old demand
      A wakeful heart will ask. 
    But with a star’s clear eye on me,
      O, I can hear it said,
    “What souls there be that only see
      The mending and the bread!”

    —­Josephine P. Peabody.

    The riches of a commonwealth
    Are free, strong minds and hearts of health. 
    And more to her than gold or grain,
    The cunning hand and cultured brain.

    —­John G. Whittier.

    For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment.

    —­Luke 12. 23.

My Father, I pray that thou wilt help me, that I may not consume my life in preparing clothes and food for my body.  Amen.

NOVEMBER TWENTY-FIFTH

Charles Kemble born 1775.

John Bigelow born 1817.

Paul Haupt born 1858.

John Kitto died 1854.

I will not kill or hurt any living creature needlessly, nor destroy any beautiful thing, but will strive to save and comfort all gentle life and guard and perfect all natural beauty on earth.  I will strive to raise my own body and soul daily into all the higher powers of duty and-happiness, not in rivalship or contention with others, but for help, delight, and honor of others and for the joy and peace of my own life.

    —­John Ruskin.

    They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the
    earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover
    the sea.

    —­Isaiah 11. 9.

Lord God, I rejoice in the blessedness of peace.  May I not try to force peace where cruelty has entered, but keep a watch for what may come into my life.  I pray that if I may be in turbulence to-day, thou wilt quiet me with thy peace which knows no fear or wrong.  Amen.

NOVEMBER TWENTY-SIXTH

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.