Trajan, Roman emperor, born 1584.
James Shirley born 1596.
Samuel Johnson born 1709.
Joseph Story born 1779.
There is no greater happiness than to be able to look on a life
usefully and virtuously employed: to trace our own purposes in
existence by such tokens that excite neither shame nor sorrow.
--Dr. Johnson.
The perfect poise that comes-from self-control,
The poetry of action, rhythmic, sweet--
The unvexed music of the body and soul
That the Greeks dreamed of, made at last complete.
Our stumbling lives attain not such a bliss;
Too often, while the air we vainly beat,
Love's perfect law of liberty we miss.
--Annie Matheson.
Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this
day.
--Acts 23. 1.
Heavenly Father, may I not confuse my life with rebellion, but through
thy guidance find peace. Help me through the perplexities that may
keep me from the quietness of to-day. Keep me in sight of the great
plan of life, that I may grow steadfastly toward thee. Amen.