We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Lord God, I do earnestly pray that thou wilt give me strength to break away, if I may be trying to free myself from habits that mar my character. May I not lose courage and fall back in the old ways, but by faith be led where I should go. Amen.
Carolus Linnæus (Karl von Linné) born 1707.
I heard a voice in the darkness singing (That was a valiant soul I knew), And the joy of his song was a wild bird winging Swift to his mate through a sky of blue.
And his song was of love and all its bringing And of certain day when the night was through; I raised my eyes where the hope was springing, And I think in his heaven God smiled too (That was a valiant soul I knew).
The soul aids the body, and at certain moments raises it. It is the only bird which bears upward its own cage.
Gracious Lord, I rejoice that thou dost know the depths of my soul, and that I may call upon thee to supply its needs. Make me worthy that I may not be kept from the springs of joy where my soul may be refreshed, and where I may gather hope and encouragement for the greater loves of life. Amen.
They that wander at will where the Works of the Lord are revealed, Little guess what joy can be got From a cowslip out of the field.
Move onward serenely, cast aside regret, cleanse and purify life, only be undismayed and hopeful, as you turn page after page of the revelation of God.
Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
My Father, I thank thee that nature reveals thy power as she unfolds her beauty and wonder to the searching eye. Guide me that I may see in the little flower the smile of welcome, the look of kindness, and the beauty of hope which it renders to all; and may I learn from it thy protection in the smallest things of life. Amen.
Light human nature is too lightly lost And ruffled without cause, complaining on, Restless with rest, until being overthrown, It learneth to lie quiet.
Was the trial sore? Temptation sharp? Thank God a second time! Why comes temptation but for a man to meet And master and make crouch beneath his foot, And so be pedestaled in triumph? Pray "Lead us into no such temptations, Lord!" Yea, but, O thou whose servants are the bold, Lead such temptations by the head and hair, Reluctant dragons, up to who dares fight That so he may do battle and have praise.