[Gutenberg 4595] • Heart-Histories and Life-Pictures

Each individual has a heart history. We can see it in their faces and in the expression in their eyes. If we take the time to learn of their heart history we will be better for doing so. Each of the stories in this volume will help the reader to understand the life picture of the characters. T S Arthur said, "In the preparation of this volume, the same end has been kept in view, and its chief merit will be found, we trust, in its power to do good." Stories are The Book of Memory, The Brilliant and the Common-place, Jenny Lawson, Shadows, The Thankless Office, Going to the Springs, The Wife, Not Great but Happy, The Married Sisters, Good-hearted People, Slow and Sure, The School Girl, Unredeemed Pledges, Don't Mention It, and The Heiress,

[...] THE BOOK OF MEMORY. CHAPTER I. "THERE is a book of record in your mind, Edwin," said an old man to his young friend, "a book of record, in which every act of your life is noted down. Each morning a blank page is turned, on which the day's history is written in lines that cannot be effaced. This book of record is your memory; and, according to what it bears, will your future life be happy or miserable. An act done, is done forever; for, the time in which it is done, in passing, passes to return no more. The history is written and sealed up. Nothing can ever blot it out. You may repent of evil, and put away the purpose of evil from your heart; but you cannot, by any repentance, bring back the time that is gone, nor alter the writing on the page of memory. Ah! my young friend, if I could only erase some pages in the book of my memory, that almost daily open themselves before the eyes of my mind, how thankful I would[...].