Gracious Father, grant that I may not be willing to spend my life for
trivial needs, for thou dost measure me for what I am, and boldest me
for what I lose in waste. Be with me in my judgment of what is best,
that I may make the most of my life. Amen.




JANUARY TWENTY-SIXTH

Lord George Sackville born 1716.

Benjamin Robert Haydon born 1786.

Mary Mapes Dodge born 1838.

General Gordon (Chinese Gordon) killed 1885.

Ave Maria! blessed be the hour,
That time, the clime, the spot, where I so oft
Have felt that moment in its fullest power
Sink o'er the earth so beautiful and soft,
While swung the deep bell in the distant tower
Or the faint dying day-hymn stole aloft,
And not a breath crept through the rosy air,
And yet the forest leaves seemed stirred with
prayer.

--Lord Byron.