From My Commonplace Book

"Perhaps [Anne] had not succeeded in 'inspiring' any wonderful ambitions in her pupils, but she had taught them, more by her own sweet personality than by all her careful precepts, that is was good and necessary in the years that were before them to live their lives finely and graciously, holding fast to truth and courtesy and kindness, keeping aloof from all that savored of falsehood and meanness and vulgarity."~~L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

"Ever since that day there has been the old friendly sociability in Cranford society; which I am thankful for, because of my dear Miss Matty's love of peace and kindliness.  We all love Miss Matty, and I somehow think we are all of us better when she is near us."~~Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford

"Grant, O Lord, that this day which Thou hast given unto us in mercy may be returned unto Thee in service.  As Thou hast guarded us during the hours of sleep, so do Thou guide us during the appointed hours of labor; that all our tasks may be gladly and faithfully performed, as in Thy sight; that our burdens may not be too heavy for us, because Thine aid and comfort are with us continually; and that in nothing may we displease Thee or injure one another.  But if in anything we fail or come short, through ignorance or weakness, O God, let Thy Fatherly wisdom correct us and Thine infinite mercy forgive us, and Thy divine love amend our fault; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen." Presbyterian Book of Common Worship

Oh, to live up to these ideals!