April 23

And the work of righteousness shall be peace: and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.—ISA. XXXII, 17.

I would be quiet, Lord!

Nor tease nor fret:

Not one small need of mine

Wilt Thou forget.

JULIA C. R. DORR.

They make no fuss about it—the stars set like lamps in the skies—but they shine on steadily, quietly. We always know where to find them, and what to count on. They are illustrations of the quiet lives, set out here and there along the dark sea of life's voyage; making no noise or ado, asking no puff or recognition, they work on day by day, year in and year out, with a beautiful self-abnegation and thoughtful devotion to the world's leavening. Into the quiet heavens where they dwell run the weary and heavy-laden for soothing and healing. Every neighborhood has them, and in its barren wastes and dusty ways they are like the unpretentious blossoms, whose white faces and sweet fragrance make the world bright and beautiful. It is good for us to have been so much and so constantly with the Master as to have come to His place of gentle ministry and self-giving service, where the unheralded bit of service for the troubled and needy is sweeter to us than any applause or fame the world can give to its heroes.