Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon [1] the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let [5] him make the most of the present. Three ways of wasting time, one of which is con- temptible, are gossiping mischief, making lingering calls, and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or [10] planning for some amusement,—travel of limb more than mind. Rushing around smartly is no proof of ac- complishing much. All successful individuals have become such by hard work; by improving moments before they pass into hours, [15] and hours that other people may occupy in the pursuit of pleasure. They spend no time in sheer idleness, in talking when they have nothing to say, in building air- castles or floating off on the wings of sense: all of which drop human life into the ditch of nonsense, and worse [20] than waste its years. “Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.” [25] Thanksgiving Dinner It was a beautiful group! needing but canvas and the touch of an artist to render it pathetic, tender, gorgeous. [Page 231.] Age, on whose hoary head the almond-blossom formed a [1] crown of glory; middle age, in smiles and the full fruition of happiness; infancy, exuberant with joy,—ranged side by side. The sober-suited grandmother, rich in ex- perience, had seen sunshine and shadow fall upon ninety- [5] six years. Four generations sat at that dinner-table. The rich viands made busy many appetites; but, what of the poor! Willingly—though I take no stock in spirit-rappings—would I have had the table give a spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones. [10] Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the mammoth turkey grew beautifully less. His was the glory to vie with guests in the dexterous use of knife and fork, until delicious pie, pudding, and fruit caused un- conditional surrender. [15]