—­Deuteronomy 30. 19.

My Father, as I review my life I am impressed how accurately my deeds have copied my thoughts.  And though I have failed the so often, yet I pray that thou wilt accept my yearnings, to think and work for the best in every day.  Amen.

APRIL

God’s April is coming up the hill, and the noisy winds are quieting down, subdued by the fragrance of the wild flowers on the way.  Lest we miss the richness of life, while pursuing the world, God continues to pour out precious fragrance from his storehouse, and unconsciously, our souls are lulled to peace through the sweetness of April days.

    —­M.B.S.

APRIL FIRST

All Fools’ Day.

William Harvey born 1578.

Prince von Bismarck born 1815.

Edwin A. Abbey born 1852.

Agnes Repplier born 1858.

    It is a peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others,
    and to forget his own.

    —­Cicero.

    A man may be as much a fool from the want of sensibility as the want
    of sense.

    —­Mrs. Jameson.

    He that knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool:  shun
    him.

    —­Arabian Maxim.

    Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? 
    There is more hope of a fool than of him.

    —­Proverbs 26. 12.

Almighty God, grant that I may be spared the allurements of deceptive happiness which leaves weary days.  I ask for wisdom that I may not speak foolishly, think foolishly, or act foolishly; and may I not be detained by the foolishness of others, but pursue my work, whether it be far or near.  Amen.

APRIL SECOND

Charlemagne born 742.

Thomas Jefferson, Virginia, third President United
States, born 1743.

Hans Andersen born 1805.

Frederic A. Bartholdi born 1834.

Emile Zola born 1840.

    When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself public
    property.

    —­Thomas Jefferson.

We hold these truths to be self-evident—­that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

    —­Declaration of Independence.

    Breathes there the man with soul so dead
    Who never to himself hath said,
      This is my own, my native land! 
    Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned
    As home his footsteps he hath turned
      From wandering on a foreign strand?

    —­Sir Walter Scott.

    Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.

    —­Matthew 22. 21.

My Lord, I thank thee for the wisdom and love that is spoken through the lives of strong men and women.  Grant that I may be willing to learn of them, and gladly serve where I am needed, remembering that thou art Lord of all.  Amen.