September Eighteenth
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.