The layman's breviary

Front matter

Chap. _ Copyright No.

SheltSlLfl 2-

THE WORLD-PRIEST. From the German, by Charles T. Brooks. Square i6mo. $2.25.

Preface

Gottlieb Leopold Immanuel Schefer, the son of a physician, was born at Muskau, in Germany, in 1784, and at an early age, by his musical and poetic talents, attracted the notice of the celebrated Prince Puckler-Muskau, to whom, in 18 13, he became private Secretary, and with whom he travelled through Italy and the Greek Islands, and acquired the stimulus, the subjects, and the plans for many of his voluminous works of fiction in prose and verse. From 1825 to 1829 he published five volumes of "novels"; from 1831 to 1835, four more; and five volumes of "little romances" from 1837 to 1839. "The Layman's Breviary" appeared in 1834, and the "World-Priest" in 1846. His novels number in all seventy-three. A great portion of them turn upon Oriental legends and musical experiences.

Of "The Layman's Breviary," his biographer says : "Returning home from distant travels, full of the poetic picture-wealth of the East, and buried again in German limitations, Schefer found in marriage and home the kernel, the pivot, and centre of gravity of iv PREFACE.

his poetry. The wife, the mother, the child, — the human feeling answering to this triad, formed the point of return and departure for his poetic thought. The title of this collection of poems — standing alone in our literature — was chosen with uncommon felicity. These blooming pictures of Nature, praising the love, goodness, wisdom of the Creator and his work, form in truth a poetical book of devotion for the Layman whom the dogma does not satisfy, — a Breviary for man."

The edition of the " Breviary " from which this translation was made is the twelfth. For the headings of the several meditations the Translator is responsible.

Such a book as this ought not to be longer unknown among us. The author of the biography prefixed to it says, "Who can doubt that the ' Layman's Breviary' has helped more souls to the understanding of themselves than any other book of German poesy?"

With the hope that many a reader will find such help in this book, and in the belief that it will prove to more and more souls a Vade Mecum, the Translator commends his work of love and reverence to the thoughtful, poetic, and pious spirit.

Newport, Sept. 30, 1867.

THE LAYMAN'S BREVIARY.

JANUARY.

JANUARY.

I. Harmony of the Universe.

II. Contentment with Human Lot.

III. Man the Part and the Whole.

IV. The Past is secure.

V. Stand in thy Lot.

VI. Hope, the great Physician.

VII. Hope gives Courage and Victory.

VIII. Loneliness on the Death of a Friend.

IX, Nature teaches calm Views of Death.

X. Regenerating Influence of Sorrow.

XL Whom God loveth He chasteneth.

XII. Time and Nature heal Grief.

XIII. Preparation for Death.

XIV. Greatness tested by little Things. XV. Learn of Nature to work calmly.

XVI. Thy Strength is as thy Day.

XVII. No Man liveth to himself.

XVIII. Goodness a Law to itself.

XIX. Smiling Love conquers Evil.

XX. Earth transfigured as seen from another Planet

XXL The Stream of Love flows downward.

XXII. Act as in God's Sight.

XXIII. Criticism on Men's Ingratitude criti'cised.

XXIV. We own only what we use.

XXV. Learn Patience with Patience.

XXVI. The Heavenly Father's Children all great

XXVII. Anger punishes itself.

XXVIII. God.

XXIX. The Transitory is the Highest

XXX. Equanimity amidst Change.

XXXI. Emblems of a Pure Life.

THE LAYMAN'S BREVIARY.

JANUARY.

Harmony of the Universe.

>0 him alone who hears the entire voice Of Nature, is her voice a harmony. Here at my feet there sits a weeping child, While myriad birds sing round me in the green ;

There, crumbling, stands an old, decrepit oak, And underneath, young blossom-laden trees Exchange their friendly nods ; here, dirges sound, Borne from the sleeping chamber of the dead, And from yon woodland winds a wedding train ; Through the half-open coffin now I see The dead man's form, — and lo there, through the chink Two little blooming children wondering gaze ; While overhead, heedless of all below, The clouds move on their everlasting way. How in the heart the various feelings blend In modulation sweet, divine repose ! The soul of the fair Whole is born in me ; From joy and woe alike remote I stand, Ready to take aright what life may bring.