Every morning, when she woke, quaint and short the prayer she spoke. "Make me easy, Lord, I pray, to live with—easy through the day." Nothing more did Jane e'er ask. But straightway faced the first hour's task. Neighbours said it was a fact, Jane had charm and Jane had tact. She didn't hurt nor irritate; she didn't prick, she didn't grate. Gentle, courteous, kindly Jane, neighbours called and called again! Found her presence like sweet balm, sympathetic, soothing, calm. "Jane," said one, "sweet oil has found to make the wheels of life go round. Bumpy places disappear just as soon as Jane draws near." Every evening, e'er she slept, to the window this Jane crept; worshipped there the starry crowd. "Who am I?" she cried aloud, "to make a fussy, wordy riot when such nobility is quiet! Make me easy, Lord, I pray, to live with—easy through the day."
DIMINISHING EVILS
How high those hills, how far away. Menacing hills at break of day. Friend, keep going; there's no knowing when you will come to the end of the way. Be not alarmed, fear not at all; at the foot of the slope the hill looks small. Journey along, hearty and strong, the summit is reached e'er the shadows fall. How great those ills, grim foes they seem. Swift and swollen life's angry stream. Friend, keep going, there's no knowing when troubles will vanish as if in a dream. Be not alarmed, have no fear; the further away the worse they appear. Journey along, hearty and strong; troubles are bubbles when Courage is near.
THE DEATHLESS RAY
Oh! Happiness, that bright, winged ray, went darting blithely on its way. It made a little baby smile, and then it skipped another mile, and made a busy mother sing; and then again it took to wing and darted swiftly to a boy, filling his heart with youthful joy. From thence, a weary man it found. To sorrow he'd been straitly bound; but suddenly his heart felt light and all the world was fair and bright. It darted further; here and there—around the world—just everywhere! Right through a thousand hearts it went, and yet its strength was never spent. This is a truth we should remember, through all the months, right to December, and then the cycle round again: a ray of joy need never wane. Our happiness we need not save; the store will last us to the grave. Give joy away; it will return. A lovely lesson this to learn.
LITTLE HEARTBREAK
A little Heartbreak, wan and sore, was sitting by herself. A sunbeam slipped around the door and danced upon a shelf. Though little Heartbreak knew not why, she ceased, quite suddenly, to cry. Still little Heartbreak sat alone. "I never will be whole again," thus said she in her saddest tone, "I never will be healed of pain." Then, unannounced, a little breeze that had been playing in the trees, passed softly over Heartbreak's face, and, lo! of tears there was no trace. Then when a bird began to sing, and Heartbreak couldn't help but hear, there happened such a curious thing—a silvern echo did appear, enthroned itself in Heartbreak's breast and, like the bird, sang with sweet zest! So little Heartbreak tossed her head and laughed to find the world so fair. "It's true," she cried, "my heart has bled, and I have lived with black despair. But I can't be quite broken, long—with sunbeams, zephyrs, and birds' song!"
THIS WAY PASSED HEROES
They passed but once this way, but they have left a flowered trail behind. Surprising how in life's brief day they found so many chances to be kind. They passed but once—this way they went, and with them joy and grief, and work and play. There is no need to raise a monument to heroes such as they. They once were found in simple homes and small, in offices and shops, engaged in work. They heard quite clearly Duty's trumpet call, and forth they marched with no attempt to shirk. Soldiers were they, no medals on their breast, a broom for weapon, or an office pen; and victory oft crowned the spirit's quest. All honour to these womenfolk and men. They were so gentle journeying the road, they scattered little acts of kindness here and there. They had their burdens, but a brother's load was also one in which they wished to share. No wonder we can see the path they chose, for flowers have blossomed everywhere they trod. They passed, and now through them there grows a lasting symbol of the living God.