Still May Thy Sweet Mercy Spread A Shady Arm Above My head

December 29.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report,--think on these things.

PHILIPIANS 4, verse 8.


As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

PROVERBS 23, verse 7.


Still may Thy sweet mercy spread
A shady arm above my head,
About my paths; so shall I find
The fair centre of my mind
Thy temple, and those lovely walls
Bright ever with a beam that falls
Fresh from the pure glance of Thine eye,
Lighting to eternity.

R. CRASHAW.


Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts.
None of us yet know, for none of us have been
taught in early youth, what fairy palaces we
may build of beautiful thought, proof against all
adversity. Bright fancies, satisfied memories,
noble histories, faithful sayings, treasure houses of
precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot
disturb, nor pain make gloomy, nor poverty take
away from us, houses built without hands,
for our souls to live in.

John RUSKIN.