Almighty God, help me in these fleeting days that I may not use my time to consider and hesitate, but be positive in my desires and pursue them. Grant that I may have the strength to hold each day precious, and live it more than consistently. Amen. NOVEMBER NINTH Mark Akenside born 1721. William Sotheby born 1757. Charles F. Thwing born 1853. The victor's road is the easy way. Straight it stretches and climbs to where Fame is waiting with garlands gay To wreathe the fighter who clambers there. There's applause in plenty and gold's red gleam For the man who plays on the winning team. The loser travels a longer lane; Level it leads to a lonely land. There's little glory for him to gain The voices mock him on either hand; But the man who wins in the greater game Is the man who, beaten, fights on the same. --G. Rice. The hero is not fed on sweets, Daily his own heart he eats; Chambers of the great are jails, And head-winds right for royal sails. --Ralph Waldo Emerson. He thanked God, and took courage. --Acts 28. 15. O Lord, I pray that whether I may be successful in the sight of the world, or whether I may be successful in my own sacrifices, I may have the freedom of courage, and be master of my life. Amen. NOVEMBER TENTH Martin Luther born 1483. William Hogarth born 1697. Oliver Goldsmith born 1728. Johann von Schiller born 1759. Joaquin Miller born 1841. Henry van Dyke born 1852. As faith, so is God. --Martin Luther. Learn the luxury of doing good. --Oliver Goldsmith. Love is the ladder by which we climb up to the likeness of God. --Johann von Schiller. And who will walk a mile with me Along life's weary way? A friend whose heart has eyes to see The stars shine out o'er the darkening lea, And the quiet rest at the end of the day-- A friend who knows and dares to say, The brave sweet words that cheer the way Where he walks a mile with me. --Henry van Dyke. And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two. --Matthew 5. 41. My Father, may I not dwell in the appearances of life, where I may grow selfish; but live in the realities of simplicity. May I not only seek those who may return me pleasure, but may I find delight in brightening the walk of a weary friend. Amen. NOVEMBER ELEVENTH Alfred de Musset born 1810. Thomas Bailey Aldrich born 1836. Rev. Joshua Brookes died 1821. I'll not confer with Sorrow Till to-morrow, But joy shall have her way This very day. --Thomas Bailey Aldrich. Shall we have ears on the stretch for the footfalls of sorrow that never come, but be deaf to the whirr of the wings of happiness that fill all space? --Maurice Maeterlinck.