April 21

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.—PROV. xxiii, 7.

Only a thought; but the work it wrought

Could never by pen or tongue be taught;

For it ran through a life like a thread of gold,

And the life bore fruit a hundredfold.

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.

J. RUSKIN.

When you sometimes find in books advice or example that you think may be of service to you, take care to copy and consult as an oracle. Do as much for the good of your soul. Engrave in your memory, and even write down the counsels and precepts that you hear or read . . . then, from time to time, study this little collection, which you will not prize the less that you have made it all yourself. Books written by others in time become wearisome to us, but of those we write ourselves we never tire. And it will be yours, this collection of thoughts chosen, because you liked them; counsels you have given yourself; moral receipts you have discovered, and of which, perhaps, you have proved the efficacy.

Gold Dust.