Introduction
In common with the majority of people, I presume, I have always had pleasure in special selections of poems and hymns. Poetry and music are so near akin that the one naturally awakens the other, and stirs the emotions to their highest conditions. A sentiment expressed in poetic phrase fixes itself on the memory, and often effects an impression which ordinary language could not. In the words of the quaint George Herbert,
" A verse may catch Mm who a sermon flies, And turn delight into a sacrifice."
So to make a good selection of poems is of better service often than to publish a volume of sermons. And in this " Our Sister " is laying the Order of The King's Daughters under obligation by her excellent work, under its very pleasing title, ' ' Sunshine in Life. ' ' One of the questions often asked of us is, how to make the meeting of the Circles interesting and profitable ; and in part this book will answer that purpose. As by our Constitution, the first, and chief thing, emphasized as the duty of every member of the Order is, ' ' the deep-
■ffntroDuction ening of spiritual life," the use of this beautiful souvenir will suggest topics of conversation, and fittingly assist in arrangement and expression of thought for the hour, as well as furnishing the mind with such inspirations of faith and action as will better qualify the reader to meet the cares of every-day life. And we confidently commend this volume to all the members of the Order, as a constant companion for daily thought and suggestion while bespeaking for it equally the heartiest welcome on every Christian table.
Preface
The King's Daughters have always been in mind when selecting these poems. May those who have "the beauty of holiness," grow in it, and all who read the book, cry with the Psalmist, ' ' Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us."
Hearty thanks are given to the many friends who have so kindly given me permission to use their poems. The poems of Mr. Longfellow, Mr. Whittier, Mr. Lowell, and many others, are used by permission of, and arrangement with, Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin, & Co., to whom thanks are due ; and also to Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons, for the poems of Dr. Holland ; to the Cassell Publishing Company, for the selection taken from the Life of John Boyle O'Reilly, with Complete Poems, and to Messrs. Roberts Brothers for the poems of Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson. In a few cases poems have been used without authorization, the compiler having been unable to obtain the address of the authors, or those owning their copyright.
' ' In His Name, ' '
Florence; p. Lee.
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