SEPTEMBER NINTH

Battle of Flodden.

James the Fourth of Scotland killed 1513.

Luigi Galvani born 1737.

    Then welcome each rebuff
    That turns earth’s smoothness rough,
      Each sting that bids nor sit, nor stand but go! 
    Be our joys three-parts pain! 
    Strive and hold cheap the strain;
      Learn, nor account the pang; dare, never grudge the throe.

    —­Robert Browning.

    Life without industry is guilt; and industry without art is
    brutality.

    —­John Ruskin.

    Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been
    approved, he shall receive the crown of life.

    —­James 1. 12.

Almighty God, help me as I start this day to remember how easy it is to drive the peace from it.  May I do my best to keep it, and defy any indolence or disposition, that may make me spoil it.  May I lay me down at night in peace and sleep because of the contentment that has filled the hours.  Amen.

SEPTEMBER TENTH

William the Conqueror died 1087.

Dr. Thomas Sheridan died 1788.

Mungo Park born 1771.

Mrs. Godwin (Mary Wollstonecraft) died 1797.

    Let the wind blow east, west, north, or south, the immortal soul
    will take its flight to the destined point.

    —­Thomas Sheridan.

He is void of true taste who strives to have his house admired by decorating it with showish outside; but to adorn our character by gentleness of a communicative temper is a proof of good taste and good nature

    —­Epictetus.

    Let fortune empty her whole quiver on me. 
    I have a soul that, like an empty shield,
    Can take it all, and verge enough for more.

    —­Thomas Dryden.

    The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto
    his heavenly kingdom.

    —­2 Timothy 4. 18.

Almighty God, I bless thee that it is thou who brought me to live on earth; and I rejoice that it is thou who wilt judge my life when thou takest me away.  May I be saving thy rich gifts that I may not be found poor; and may I be worthy to receive thine inheritance and hear thee say, “Well done.”  Amen.

SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH

Battle of Marathon B. C. 490.

William Lowth born 1661.

James Thomson born 1700.

    But what is virtue but repose of mind,
      A pure ethereal calm, that knows no storm;
    Above the reach of wild ambitious wind,
      Above the passions that this world deform.

    —­James Thomson.

    And if I pray, the only prayer
      That moves my lips for me
    Is, “Leave the heart that now I bear,
      And give me liberty!”