But at the Grand Review the Cross of the Legion of Honor will surely shine on many a brave breast that won no decoration but its virtue here ; for the world 's fanatics make heaven 's heroes , poets say . `` The flock of Nightingales that flew South during the ` winter of our discontent ' are all at home again , some here and some in Heaven . But the music of their womanly heroism still lingers in the nation 's memory , and makes a tender minor-chord in the battle-hymn of freedom . `` The reform in literature is n't as vigorous as I could wish ; but a sharp attack of mental and moral dyspepsia will soon teach our people that French confectionery and the bad pastry of Wood , Bracdon , Yates & Co. is not the best diet for the rising generation . `` Speaking of the rising generation reminds me of the schools . They are doing well ; they always are , and we are justly proud of them . There may be a slight tendency toward placing too much value upon book-learning ; too little upon home culture . Our girls are acknowledged to be uncommonly pretty , witty and wise , but some of us wish they had more health and less excitement , more domestic accomplishments and fewer ologies and isms , and were contented with simple pleasures and the old-fashioned virtues , and not quite so fond of the fast , frivolous life that makes them old so soon . I am fond of our girls and boys . I love to ring for their christenings and marriages , to toll proudly for the brave lads in blue , and tenderly for the innocent creatures whose seats are empty under my old roof . I want to see them anxious to make Young America a model of virtue , strength and beauty , and I believe they will in time . `` There have been some important revivals in religion ; for the world wo n't stand still , and we must keep pace or be left behind to fossilize . A free nation must have a religion broad enough to embrace all mankind , deep enough to fathom and fill the human soul , high enough to reach the source of all love and wisdom , and pure enough to satisfy the wisest and the best . Alarm bells have been rung , anathemas pronounced , and Christians , forgetful of their creed , have abused one another heartily . But the truth always triumphs in the end , and whoever sincerely believes , works and waits for it , by whatever name he calls it , will surely find his own faith blessed to him in proportion to his charity for the faith of others . `` But look ! -- the first red streaks of dawn are in the East . Our vigil is over , and we must fly home to welcome in the holidays . Before we part , join with me , brothers , in resolving that through the coming year we will with all our hearts and tongues , -- '' ` Ring out the old , ring in the new , Ring out the false , ring in the true ; Ring in the valiant man and free , Ring in the Christ that is to be . ' '' LITTLE MEN LIFE AT PLUMFIELD WITH JO 'S BOYS CHAPTER I. NAT `` Please , sir , is this Plumfield ? ''
asked a ragged boy of the man who opened the great gate at which the omnibus XXXXX him .
Christians Co. PLUMFIELD anathemas christenings confectionery dyspepsia isms left minor-chord