Sir Henry Wotton born 1568.
Archbishop Somner born 1606.
John Fiske born 1842.
John Constable died 1837.
I said, "Let us walk in the field."
He said, "Nay walk in the town."
I said, "There are no flowers there."
He said, "No flowers but a crown."
I said, "But the air is thick,
And the fogs are veiling the sun."
He answered, "Yet souls are sick
And souls in the dark undone."
I cast one look at the field,
Then set my face to the town.
He said: "My child, do you yield?
Will ye leave the flowers for the crown?"
Then into his hand went mine
And into my heart came He,
And I walked in a light divine
The path I had feared to see.
--George Macdonald.
Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of
Jehovah your God.
--Jeremiah 26. 13.
Eternal God, teach me the way of a complete and unbroken trust. In my
disappointments, and in my devotions, may my faith and hope be as
immortal as my soul. May I listen for thy voice and answer thy call.
Amen.