Come, join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
And rouse your bold hearts at fair Liberty's call,
No tyrannous acts shall suppress your just claim,
Or stain with dishonour America's name.
(Chorus)
In freedom we're born and in freedom we'll live,
Not as slaves but as freemen our money we'll give.
Our worthy forefathers - let's give them a cheer -
To climates unknown did courageously steer;
Thro' oceans to deserts for freedom they came,
And dying bequeathed us their freedom and fame.
(Chorus)
Their generous bosoms all dangers despised,
So highly so wisely their birthrights they prized,
We'll keep what they gave - we will piously keep,
Nor frustrate their toils on land or the deep.
(Chorus)
The tree their own hands had to liberty reared,
They lived to behold growing strong and revered,
With excitement they cried, "Now our wishes we gain,
For our children shall gather the fruits of our pain."
(Chorus)
Swarms of Placemen and Pensioners soon will appear,
Like locusts deforming the crops of the year,
Suns vainly will rise, showers vainly defend,
If we are to labor for what others will spend.
(Chorus)
Then join hand in hand brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;
In so righteous a call, let us hope to suceed,
For heaven approves of each generous deed.
(Chorus)
All ages shall speak with amaze and applause,
Of the courage we'll show in support of our laws.
To die we can bear - but to slave we disdain -
For shame is to freemen more dreadful than pain.
(Chorus)
This poem I crown for our sovereign's health
And this to Britannia's glory and wealth;
That wealth and that glory immortal may be,
If she is but just and if we are but free!
...John Dickinson
I love this poem; my brother and I wrote music for it. There are a lot of good concepts and principles within these lines - concepts that more of us need to grasp and take to heart.
Showing posts with label Vigilance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vigilance. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Independence Day!
Micah 6:8
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
A few years ago when I won the VFW essay contest "Patriot's Pen", I was given a book of quotes called "Lift Every Voice". There are a few really good quotes that I would like to share.
"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."...Benjamin Franklin
"The condition upon which God hath given liberty unto men is eternal vigilance."...John P. Curran
"Freedom is not a heritage, it is a challenge. And preservation of freedom, whether in the United States or elsewhere is a fresh challenge for each generation." ...C. Donald Dallas
We need to face this challenge and preserve our freedom with vigilance!
"If anyone asks me the meaning of ur flag, I say to him: Under this banner rode Washington and his armies. This banner streamed in light over the soldier's heads at Valley Forge and at Morristown. It crossed the waters roiling with ice at Trenton, and when its stars gleamed in the morning with a victory, a new day of hope dawned on the despondency of this nation."...Henry Ward Beecher
"It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves."...Thomas Jefferson
"The spirit of a nation derives from the integrity of the home."...Margaret Mead
"Fathers and Mothers, if you have children, they must come first. Your success as a family, and our success as a society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens at your house."...Barbara Bush
How true! We are raising/will raise the future voters who will eventually determine what sort of things take place at the White House!
"In love of home, love of country has its rise."...Charles Dickens
I think it is important to remember, that though this nation has many sins, and that though our Declaration of Independence and Constitution may have flaws, and though our founding fathers were fallible and none were perfect, yet this nation was created with a mind to God's Word. Therefore, although we may regret the flaws, we must see that this nation has been great--because of God's blessing upon us. The fourth of July is a day to celebrate the freedom and liberty God has blessed us with. The State ought not to have a say in the affairs of the Church, but the Church most certainly ought to be a large participant in the affairs of the State if we would be blessed. I think that as Christians, we ought to find out about the candidates on local, state, and nationwide level, and if there is a candidate who is a Christian, and/or upholds Christian principles, it is our duty to back that candidate.
As Americans and Christians, let us be mindful of God's grace and blessings. Let us repent of our sins and pray, that God will hear, turn and heal this land.
Happy fourth!
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
A few years ago when I won the VFW essay contest "Patriot's Pen", I was given a book of quotes called "Lift Every Voice". There are a few really good quotes that I would like to share.
"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."...Benjamin Franklin
"The condition upon which God hath given liberty unto men is eternal vigilance."...John P. Curran
"Freedom is not a heritage, it is a challenge. And preservation of freedom, whether in the United States or elsewhere is a fresh challenge for each generation." ...C. Donald Dallas
We need to face this challenge and preserve our freedom with vigilance!
"If anyone asks me the meaning of ur flag, I say to him: Under this banner rode Washington and his armies. This banner streamed in light over the soldier's heads at Valley Forge and at Morristown. It crossed the waters roiling with ice at Trenton, and when its stars gleamed in the morning with a victory, a new day of hope dawned on the despondency of this nation."...Henry Ward Beecher
"It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves."...Thomas Jefferson
"The spirit of a nation derives from the integrity of the home."...Margaret Mead
"Fathers and Mothers, if you have children, they must come first. Your success as a family, and our success as a society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens at your house."...Barbara Bush
How true! We are raising/will raise the future voters who will eventually determine what sort of things take place at the White House!
"In love of home, love of country has its rise."...Charles Dickens
I think it is important to remember, that though this nation has many sins, and that though our Declaration of Independence and Constitution may have flaws, and though our founding fathers were fallible and none were perfect, yet this nation was created with a mind to God's Word. Therefore, although we may regret the flaws, we must see that this nation has been great--because of God's blessing upon us. The fourth of July is a day to celebrate the freedom and liberty God has blessed us with. The State ought not to have a say in the affairs of the Church, but the Church most certainly ought to be a large participant in the affairs of the State if we would be blessed. I think that as Christians, we ought to find out about the candidates on local, state, and nationwide level, and if there is a candidate who is a Christian, and/or upholds Christian principles, it is our duty to back that candidate.
As Americans and Christians, let us be mindful of God's grace and blessings. Let us repent of our sins and pray, that God will hear, turn and heal this land.
Happy fourth!
Friday, July 1, 2011
A passionate dedication...
This dedication is found in the front of the book entitled, "Inez, or, A Tale of The Alamo" by Augusta Jane Evans Wilson. This was her first book.
![]()
To
The Texan Patriots
who triumphantly unfurled and waved aloft the
"Banner of the Lone Star!" Who wrenched asunder
the iron bands of despotic Mexico! And
wreathed the brow of the "Queen State!"
with the glorious chaplet of "Civil
and Religious Liberty!"
This Work is respectfully Dedicated
by the author.
It isn't often I find a dedication as stirring as this.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Resurrection Day!
Christ the Lord is risen today,
Sons of men and angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high,
Raise your joys and triumphs high,
Sings ye heavens and earth reply,
Sing ye heavens and earth reply.
Love's redeeming work is done,
fought the fight, the battle won.
Death in vain forbids him rise,
Christ has opened paradise,
Christ has opened paradise!
He lives! He lives! Our Glorious King,
Where, O Death, is now thy Sting?
Dying once he all doth save,
Where thy victory, O grave?
Where thy victory, O grave?
Soar we now where Christ has led,
following our exalted head.
Made like Him, like Him we rise,
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies,
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies!
Hail, the Lord of earth and heaven!
Praise to thee by both be given;
Thee we greet triumphant now;
Hail, the Resurrection Thou,
Hail, the Resurrection Thou!
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say "Alleluia!"
In vain the stone, the watch, the seal,
Christ has burst the gates of hell,
Christ has burst the gates of hell!
Jesus Christ is risen today,
Our triumphant holy day,
Who did once upon the cross,
Suffer to redeem our loss.
Hymns of praise then let us sing,
Unto Christ our heavenly King,
Who endured the cross and grave,
Sinners to redeem and save.
But the pains which he endured,
Our salvation hath procured.
Now above the skies he's King,
Where the angels ever sing.
Sing we to our God above,
Praise eternal as his love.
Praise him, all ye heavenly host,
Father, Son and holy Ghost.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
St. Elmo Murray's Ordination
It was a beautiful Sabbath morning, just one year after Edna's departure from the parsonage, and the church was crowded to its utmost capacity, for people had come for many miles around, to witness a ceremony the announcement of which, had given rise to universal comment. As the hour approached for the ordination of St. Elmo Murray to the ministry of Jesus Christ even the doors were filled with curious spectators; and when Mr. Hammond and St. Elmo walked down the aisle, and the old man seated himself in a chair within the altar, there was a general stir in the congregation.
The officiating minster had come from a distant city to perform a ceremony of more than usual interest; and when he stood up in the pulpit, and the organ thundered through the arches, St. Elmo bowed his head on his hand, and sat thus during the hour that ensued.
The ordination sermon was solemn and eloquent, and preached from the text in Romans:
"For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."
Then the minister, having finished his discourse, came down into the altar and commenced the services; but Mr. Murray sat motionless, with his countenance concealed by his hand. Mr. Hammond approached and touched him, and, as he rose, led him to the altar, and presented him a a candidate for ordination.
There, before the shining marble pulpit which he had planned and built in the early years of his life, for the idol of his youth, stood St. Elmo; and the congregation, especially those of his native village, looked with involuntary admiration and pride at the erect, powerful form, clad in its suit of black--at the nobly-proportioned head, where gray locks were visible.
"But if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or crime, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth, in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is."
The preacher paused, the echo of his words died away, and perfect silence reigned. Suddenly St. Elmo raised his eyes from the railing of the altar, and turning his face slightly, looked through the eastern window at the ivy-draped vault where slept Murray and Annie. The world was silent, but conscience and the dead accused him. An expression of intolerable anguish crossed his handsome features, then his hands folded themselves tightly together on the top of the marble balustrade, and he looked appealingly up to the pale Jesus staggering under his cross.
At that instant a spotless white pigeon from the belfry, found its way into the church through the open doors, circled once around the building, fluttered against the windows, hiding momentarily the crown of thorns, and, frightened and confused, fell upon the fluted pillar of the pulpit.
An electric thrill ran through the congregation; and as the minister resumed the services, he saw on St. Elmo's face a light, a great joy, such as human countenances rarely wear this side the grave.
When Mr. Murray knelt and the ordaining hands were laid upon his head, a sob was heard from the pew where his mother sat, and the voice of the preacher faltered as he delivered the Bible to the kneeling man, saying:
"Take thou authority to preach the word of God, and to administer the holy sacraments in the congregation."
There were no dry eyes in the entire assembly, save two that looked out, coldly blue, from the pew where Mrs. Powell sat like a statue, between her daughter and Gordon Leigh.
Mr. Hammond tottered across the altar, and knelt down close to Mr. Murray; and many who knew the history of the pastor's family, wept as the gray head fell on the broad shoulder of St. Elmo, whose arm was thrown around the old man's form, and the ordaining minister, with tears rolling over his face, extended his hands in benediction above them.
"The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you alway."
And all hearts and lips present whispered "Amen!" and the organ and the choir broke forth in a grand "Gloria in excelsis."
Standing there at the chancel, purified, consecrated henceforth unreservedly to Christ, Mr. Murray looked so happy, so noble, so worthy of his high calling, that his proud, fond mother thought his face was fit for an archangel's wings.
Many persons who had known him in his boyhood, came up with tears in their eyes, and wrung his hand silently. At last Huldah pointed to the white pigeon, that was now beating its wings against the gilded pipes of the organ, and said, in that singularly sweet, solemn, hesitating tone, with which children approach sacred things:
"Oh Mr. Murray! when it fell on the pulpit, it nearly took my breath away, for I almost thought it was the Holy Ghost."
Tears, which till then he had kept bravely back, dripped over his face, as he stooped and whispered to the little orphan:
"Huldah the Holy Spirit the Comforter, came indeed; but it was not visible, it is here in my heart."
The congregation dispersed. Mrs. Murray and the preacher and Huldah went to the carriage; and, leaning on Mr. Murray's arm, Mr. Hammond turned to follow, but observing that the church was empty, the former said:
"After a little, I will come."
The old man walked on, and Mr. Murray went back and knelt, resting his head against the beautiful glittering balustrade, within which he hoped to officiate through the remaining years of his earthly career.
Once the sexton, who was waiting to lock up the church, looked in, saw the man praying alone there at the altar, and softly stole away.
...from St. Elmo, by Augusta Jane Evans Wilson
I think that this is one of the most moving scenes in the entire book. Everyone should read St. Elmo and any other books by Augusta Jane Evans Wilson that they can get their hands on. Some day, I would like to witness an ordination. Not as eventful, nor as dramatic a redemption story as the one portrayed here probably, but I think it must be a beautiful and solemn thing.
Disclaimer: I do not neccesarily condone the appearance of, decoration choices, and so on of the church herein described. The authoress is describing an Episcopal church and while I certainly believe that one could be a true Christian and attend a church such as is described, but I would certainly suggest some changes.
The officiating minster had come from a distant city to perform a ceremony of more than usual interest; and when he stood up in the pulpit, and the organ thundered through the arches, St. Elmo bowed his head on his hand, and sat thus during the hour that ensued.
The ordination sermon was solemn and eloquent, and preached from the text in Romans:
"For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."
Then the minister, having finished his discourse, came down into the altar and commenced the services; but Mr. Murray sat motionless, with his countenance concealed by his hand. Mr. Hammond approached and touched him, and, as he rose, led him to the altar, and presented him a a candidate for ordination.
There, before the shining marble pulpit which he had planned and built in the early years of his life, for the idol of his youth, stood St. Elmo; and the congregation, especially those of his native village, looked with involuntary admiration and pride at the erect, powerful form, clad in its suit of black--at the nobly-proportioned head, where gray locks were visible.
"But if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or crime, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth, in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is."
The preacher paused, the echo of his words died away, and perfect silence reigned. Suddenly St. Elmo raised his eyes from the railing of the altar, and turning his face slightly, looked through the eastern window at the ivy-draped vault where slept Murray and Annie. The world was silent, but conscience and the dead accused him. An expression of intolerable anguish crossed his handsome features, then his hands folded themselves tightly together on the top of the marble balustrade, and he looked appealingly up to the pale Jesus staggering under his cross.
At that instant a spotless white pigeon from the belfry, found its way into the church through the open doors, circled once around the building, fluttered against the windows, hiding momentarily the crown of thorns, and, frightened and confused, fell upon the fluted pillar of the pulpit.
An electric thrill ran through the congregation; and as the minister resumed the services, he saw on St. Elmo's face a light, a great joy, such as human countenances rarely wear this side the grave.
When Mr. Murray knelt and the ordaining hands were laid upon his head, a sob was heard from the pew where his mother sat, and the voice of the preacher faltered as he delivered the Bible to the kneeling man, saying:
"Take thou authority to preach the word of God, and to administer the holy sacraments in the congregation."
There were no dry eyes in the entire assembly, save two that looked out, coldly blue, from the pew where Mrs. Powell sat like a statue, between her daughter and Gordon Leigh.
Mr. Hammond tottered across the altar, and knelt down close to Mr. Murray; and many who knew the history of the pastor's family, wept as the gray head fell on the broad shoulder of St. Elmo, whose arm was thrown around the old man's form, and the ordaining minister, with tears rolling over his face, extended his hands in benediction above them.
"The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you alway."
And all hearts and lips present whispered "Amen!" and the organ and the choir broke forth in a grand "Gloria in excelsis."
Standing there at the chancel, purified, consecrated henceforth unreservedly to Christ, Mr. Murray looked so happy, so noble, so worthy of his high calling, that his proud, fond mother thought his face was fit for an archangel's wings.
Many persons who had known him in his boyhood, came up with tears in their eyes, and wrung his hand silently. At last Huldah pointed to the white pigeon, that was now beating its wings against the gilded pipes of the organ, and said, in that singularly sweet, solemn, hesitating tone, with which children approach sacred things:
"Oh Mr. Murray! when it fell on the pulpit, it nearly took my breath away, for I almost thought it was the Holy Ghost."
Tears, which till then he had kept bravely back, dripped over his face, as he stooped and whispered to the little orphan:
"Huldah the Holy Spirit the Comforter, came indeed; but it was not visible, it is here in my heart."
The congregation dispersed. Mrs. Murray and the preacher and Huldah went to the carriage; and, leaning on Mr. Murray's arm, Mr. Hammond turned to follow, but observing that the church was empty, the former said:
"After a little, I will come."
The old man walked on, and Mr. Murray went back and knelt, resting his head against the beautiful glittering balustrade, within which he hoped to officiate through the remaining years of his earthly career.
Once the sexton, who was waiting to lock up the church, looked in, saw the man praying alone there at the altar, and softly stole away.
...from St. Elmo, by Augusta Jane Evans Wilson
I think that this is one of the most moving scenes in the entire book. Everyone should read St. Elmo and any other books by Augusta Jane Evans Wilson that they can get their hands on. Some day, I would like to witness an ordination. Not as eventful, nor as dramatic a redemption story as the one portrayed here probably, but I think it must be a beautiful and solemn thing.
Disclaimer: I do not neccesarily condone the appearance of, decoration choices, and so on of the church herein described. The authoress is describing an Episcopal church and while I certainly believe that one could be a true Christian and attend a church such as is described, but I would certainly suggest some changes.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Printing Process Has Ended!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
February 12th: A day to remember
February 12th, 1554.
457 years ago.
The death of one of England's leading Protestant Reformers.
The murder of a seventeen year old girl by her cousin.
The execution of a Queen less known, but who was and would have been better, than good Queen Bess herself.
457 years ago today, Queen Jane Dudley was executed. She is better known as Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for nine days.
She read several languages and corresponded with several Reformers, including Johann Sturm, a friend of Martin Luther.
She was well educated, but conniving people used her because she was in line for the throne. Her father-in-law married her to his son, intending to have them crowned. He then intended to poison Jane, letting his son live a little longer, and then poison his son, so that he would have control of the kingdom. He attempted to poison Jane but it didn't actually kill her. However when Edward died, Mary Tudor was next in line. Jane Dudley accepted the throne without knowing this. Bloody Mary took the throne and imprisoned Jane. Jane was a favorite of hers. However she wanted to marry Philip of Spain so she could have a child who would rule so that England would remain Catholic. Philip insisted that she execute Jane, or he would not marry her. So on February 12th, 1554, Bloody Mary had Jane executed. My personal opinion is that she was traumitized by this and her guilt, and that is why she killed so many people, especially with Philip and others egging her on.
Excerpt from Lady Jane Grey's last address to the people:
"Good people, I am come hither to die, and by law am condemned to the same, for the fact against the Queen's highness was unlawful, and the consenting thereunto by me: but touching the procurement and desire thereof by me and on my behalf it was never of my seeking, but by counsel of others who seemed to have further understanding of things than me, which little knew of the law, and much less of the titles to the crown. I do wash my hands in innocency before God, and in the face of you, good people, this day.
I pray you all, good Christian people, to bear me witness that I die a true Christian woman. I do look to be saved by no other means, but only by the mercy of God, in the blood of his only Son Jesus Christ.
I confess that when I did know the word of God, I neglected the same, loved myself and the world; and therefore this plague is happily and worthily happened unto me for my sins; and yet I thank God, that of his goodness he hath thus given me a time and respite to repent. And now, good people, while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers."
It would be a worthwhile pursuit indeed to learn more about this godly woman. I would highly recommend "Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England" by Faith Cook.
457 years ago.
The death of one of England's leading Protestant Reformers.
The murder of a seventeen year old girl by her cousin.
The execution of a Queen less known, but who was and would have been better, than good Queen Bess herself.
457 years ago today, Queen Jane Dudley was executed. She is better known as Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for nine days.
She read several languages and corresponded with several Reformers, including Johann Sturm, a friend of Martin Luther.
She was well educated, but conniving people used her because she was in line for the throne. Her father-in-law married her to his son, intending to have them crowned. He then intended to poison Jane, letting his son live a little longer, and then poison his son, so that he would have control of the kingdom. He attempted to poison Jane but it didn't actually kill her. However when Edward died, Mary Tudor was next in line. Jane Dudley accepted the throne without knowing this. Bloody Mary took the throne and imprisoned Jane. Jane was a favorite of hers. However she wanted to marry Philip of Spain so she could have a child who would rule so that England would remain Catholic. Philip insisted that she execute Jane, or he would not marry her. So on February 12th, 1554, Bloody Mary had Jane executed. My personal opinion is that she was traumitized by this and her guilt, and that is why she killed so many people, especially with Philip and others egging her on.
Excerpt from Lady Jane Grey's last address to the people:
"Good people, I am come hither to die, and by law am condemned to the same, for the fact against the Queen's highness was unlawful, and the consenting thereunto by me: but touching the procurement and desire thereof by me and on my behalf it was never of my seeking, but by counsel of others who seemed to have further understanding of things than me, which little knew of the law, and much less of the titles to the crown. I do wash my hands in innocency before God, and in the face of you, good people, this day.
I pray you all, good Christian people, to bear me witness that I die a true Christian woman. I do look to be saved by no other means, but only by the mercy of God, in the blood of his only Son Jesus Christ.
I confess that when I did know the word of God, I neglected the same, loved myself and the world; and therefore this plague is happily and worthily happened unto me for my sins; and yet I thank God, that of his goodness he hath thus given me a time and respite to repent. And now, good people, while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers."
It would be a worthwhile pursuit indeed to learn more about this godly woman. I would highly recommend "Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England" by Faith Cook.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Vigilance in Writing
"It seems, however, no very easy task to write for children. Those only who have been interested in the education of a family, who have patiently followed children through the first processes of reasoning, who have daily watched over their thoughts and feelings--those only who know with what ease and rapidity the early association of ideas are formed, on which the future taste, character and happiness depend, can feel the dangers and difficulties of such an undertaking." (Maria Edgeworth, in the preface to The Parent's Assistant, 1800)
"It has been somewhere said by Johnson, that merely to invent a story is no small effort of the human understanding. How much more difficult is it to construct stories suited to the early years of youth, and, at the same time, conformable to the complicate relations of modern society--fictions, that shall display examples of virtue, without initiating the young reader into the ways of vice--narratives, written in a style level to his capacity, without tedious detail, or vulgar idiom! The author, sensible of these difficulties, solicits indulgence for such errors as have escaped her vigilance.
"In a former work the author has endeavored to add something to the increasing stock of innocent amusement and early instruction, which the laudable exertions of some excellent modern writers provide for the rising generation; and, in the present, an attempt is made to provide for young people, of a more advanced age, a few tales, that shall neither dissipate the attention, nor inflame the imagination." (Richard Edgeworth {Maria Edgeworth's father}, in the preface to Moral Tales, 1801)
"Her regular contributions to the magazine enhanced her reputation, and broadened the sphere of her usefulness.
Profoundly impressed by the conviction that she held her talent in trust, she worked steadily, looking neither to the right nor left, but keeping her eyes fixed upon that day when she would be called to render an account to Him, who would demand His own with interest. Instead of becoming flushed with success, she grew daily more cautious, more timid, lest inadvertence or haste should betray her into errors.
...Ruthlessly she assaulted the darling follies, the pet, velvet-masked vices that society had adopted,...demanding that men and women should pause and reflect in their mad career. Because she was earnest and not bitter,...because her rebukes were free from scorn, and written rather in tears than gall, people turned their heads and stopped to listen.
...Edna was consious of the influence she exerted, and ceaselessly she prayed that she might wield it aright. ...Day by day she weighed more carefully all that fell from her pen, dreading lest some error might creep into her writings and lead others astray." (Augusta Jane Evans Wilson, St. Elmo, 1910)
*repost*
"It has been somewhere said by Johnson, that merely to invent a story is no small effort of the human understanding. How much more difficult is it to construct stories suited to the early years of youth, and, at the same time, conformable to the complicate relations of modern society--fictions, that shall display examples of virtue, without initiating the young reader into the ways of vice--narratives, written in a style level to his capacity, without tedious detail, or vulgar idiom! The author, sensible of these difficulties, solicits indulgence for such errors as have escaped her vigilance.
"In a former work the author has endeavored to add something to the increasing stock of innocent amusement and early instruction, which the laudable exertions of some excellent modern writers provide for the rising generation; and, in the present, an attempt is made to provide for young people, of a more advanced age, a few tales, that shall neither dissipate the attention, nor inflame the imagination." (Richard Edgeworth {Maria Edgeworth's father}, in the preface to Moral Tales, 1801)
"Her regular contributions to the magazine enhanced her reputation, and broadened the sphere of her usefulness.
Profoundly impressed by the conviction that she held her talent in trust, she worked steadily, looking neither to the right nor left, but keeping her eyes fixed upon that day when she would be called to render an account to Him, who would demand His own with interest. Instead of becoming flushed with success, she grew daily more cautious, more timid, lest inadvertence or haste should betray her into errors.
...Ruthlessly she assaulted the darling follies, the pet, velvet-masked vices that society had adopted,...demanding that men and women should pause and reflect in their mad career. Because she was earnest and not bitter,...because her rebukes were free from scorn, and written rather in tears than gall, people turned their heads and stopped to listen.
...Edna was consious of the influence she exerted, and ceaselessly she prayed that she might wield it aright. ...Day by day she weighed more carefully all that fell from her pen, dreading lest some error might creep into her writings and lead others astray." (Augusta Jane Evans Wilson, St. Elmo, 1910)
*repost*
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Off to the Printer
The Tiphereth Trilogy has been made completely press-ready and sent to the printer!
Printing 260 pages takes a while!
Stack the pages perfectly, fill out the order form, gather everything that needs to be sent, and carefully slide it into an envelope addressed to the printer. Then, carefully seal and take to the post office...when they are open. We live about two minutes from a post office, but the first time we went to mail it, they were closed. So we had to go again the next day. I was a little worried that postage would be atrociously expensive because of the weight, but it actually was less than what I had thought it would be.
Once it is mailed, I track the package to see when it arrives. The printer usually sends proofs back two weeks after they recieve my hard copy (the paper one in the package) and so I like to see when the hard copy gets there so I can know when to expect the proofs.
And the excitement builds!
The best part, of course, is recieving the box of completed books, but as that gets closer and closer, I get more and more excited.
I will probably start selling pre-realease sales coupons after I have sent the proofs back to the printer. Stay tuned!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Exciting Process of Publishing!
Please comment and let me know which of these pictures you like best for the cover!*
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4.*WARNING: Your comments may or may not be taken into consideration for the publishing of this book. One or more of the pictures may or may not have ever been candidates for cover photos. The Authoress reserves all rights to make a final decision based on her own wishes. :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Bureaucracy
While reading my civics textbook the other day I came across a quote from President Ronald Reagan on Bureaucracy. I thought this part was very funny:
"To give you an illustration of how bureaucracy works in another country, England in 1803 created a new civil service position. It called for a man to stand on the cliffs of Dover with a spy glass and ring a bell if he saw Napoleon coming. They didn't eliminate that job until 1945. In our own country, there are only two government programs that have been abolished. The government stopped making rum on the Virgin Islands, and we've stopped breeding horses for the cavalry."
Even the clothing of medieval Europe was better.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Color Magic
The people were all walking in God's ways. The sorcerers, and their evil thoughts, were rapidly losing popularity. They realized that they would soon be put to death if they did not get the people under a spell once more. So they worked hard by day and night. Their black magic was out of style; they needed something much more complicated…and fascinating.
Finally they finished, and without letting the people know it was their doing, they called everyone together to see what they had conjured up.
When everyone was seated, the lights dimmed and the red curtains that veiled their enchantment were drawn aside. Suddenly soft, beautiful, moving music began to fill the room. Colors appeared and formed in the likenesses of mountains, trees, sunsets, lakes, and flowers. In the midst of this beautiful scenery, little girls in old-fashioned dresses strolled. Little boys and babies ran and played. Parents smiled around the dinner table.
The audience was charmed, spell-bound, enchanted. The sorcerer's color magic had worked.
The sorcerers chuckled triumphantly as they watched the audience sit smiling as the little boys and babies lisped bad language, as the little girls in dresses and sunbonnets calmly gave their hearts away, and as the parents smilingly attacked each other, marriage, and biblical principles.
By the magic of color, beauty, scenery, costumes, and music, the sorcerers had managed to get the audience to accept a message which they never would have considered for a moment on paper. The audience was emotionally attached to the story they had just seen, and many bought it for home viewing. Some, however, saw through the production and disapproved of the message, walking away without buying it.
As time went on, the sorcerers continued making more and more productions, making the message just a little worse each time. By the time twenty years had passed, the messages of the productions were horrible. Had the sorcerers started with these productions, the audience would have walked away in the first minute. But they had been desensitized to sin.
Some of the people no longer went to see the new productions, realizing how bad they were. Instead they bought remakes of the very first productions and watched them at home, extolling how clean and wholesome they were compared to what most were watching.
And the sorcerers were careful to keep making the color quality better, that the enchantment would not be broken.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Vigilance in Writing
"It seems, however, no very easy task to write for children. Those only who have been interested in the education of a family, who have patiently followed children through the first processes of reasoning, who have daily watched over their thoughts and feelings--those only who know with what ease and rapidity the early association of ideas are formed, on which the future taste, character and happiness depend, can feel the dangers and difficulties of such an undertaking." (Maria Edgeworth, in the preface to The Parent's Assistant, 1800)
"It has been somewhere said by Johnson, that merely to invent a story is no small effort of the human understanding. How much more difficult is it to construct stories suited to the early years of youth, and, at the same time, conformable to the complicate relations of modern society--fictions, that shall display examples of virtue, without initiating the young reader into the ways of vice--narratives, written in a style level to his capacity, without tedious detail, or vulgar idiom! The author, sensible of these difficulties, solicits indulgence for such errors as have escaped her vigilance.
"In a former work the author has endeavored to add something to the increasing stock of innocent amusement and early instruction, which the laudable exertions of some excellent modern writers provide for the rising generation; and, in the present, an attempt is made to provide for young people, of a more advanced age, a few tales, that shall neither dissipate the attention, nor inflame the imagination." (Richard Edgeworth {Maria Edgeworth's father}, in the preface to Moral Tales, 1801)
"Her regular contributions to the magazine enhanced her reputation, and broadened the sphere of her usefulness.
Profoundly impressed by the conviction that she held her talent in trust, she worked steadily, looking neither to the right nor left, but keeping her eyes fixed upon that day when she would be called to render an account to Him, who would demand His own with interest. Instead of becoming flushed with success, she grew daily more cautious, more timid, lest inadvertence or haste should betray her into errors.
...Ruthlessly she assaulted the darling follies, the pet, velvet-masked vices that society had adopted,...demanding that men and women should pause and reflect in their mad career. Because she was earnest and not bitter,...because her rebukes were free from scorn, and written rather in tears than gall, people turned their heads and stopped to listen.
...Edna was consious of the influence she exerted, and ceaselessly she prayed that she might wield it aright. ...Day by day she weighed more carefully all that fell from her pen, dreading lest some error might creep into her writings and lead others astray." (Augusta Jane Evans Wilson, St. Elmo, 1910)
"It has been somewhere said by Johnson, that merely to invent a story is no small effort of the human understanding. How much more difficult is it to construct stories suited to the early years of youth, and, at the same time, conformable to the complicate relations of modern society--fictions, that shall display examples of virtue, without initiating the young reader into the ways of vice--narratives, written in a style level to his capacity, without tedious detail, or vulgar idiom! The author, sensible of these difficulties, solicits indulgence for such errors as have escaped her vigilance.
"In a former work the author has endeavored to add something to the increasing stock of innocent amusement and early instruction, which the laudable exertions of some excellent modern writers provide for the rising generation; and, in the present, an attempt is made to provide for young people, of a more advanced age, a few tales, that shall neither dissipate the attention, nor inflame the imagination." (Richard Edgeworth {Maria Edgeworth's father}, in the preface to Moral Tales, 1801)
"Her regular contributions to the magazine enhanced her reputation, and broadened the sphere of her usefulness.
Profoundly impressed by the conviction that she held her talent in trust, she worked steadily, looking neither to the right nor left, but keeping her eyes fixed upon that day when she would be called to render an account to Him, who would demand His own with interest. Instead of becoming flushed with success, she grew daily more cautious, more timid, lest inadvertence or haste should betray her into errors.
...Ruthlessly she assaulted the darling follies, the pet, velvet-masked vices that society had adopted,...demanding that men and women should pause and reflect in their mad career. Because she was earnest and not bitter,...because her rebukes were free from scorn, and written rather in tears than gall, people turned their heads and stopped to listen.
...Edna was consious of the influence she exerted, and ceaselessly she prayed that she might wield it aright. ...Day by day she weighed more carefully all that fell from her pen, dreading lest some error might creep into her writings and lead others astray." (Augusta Jane Evans Wilson, St. Elmo, 1910)
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