DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-01-01

May civilization advance in all its branches more rapidly this year than it has in any one previous, May we learn more of nature’s hidden powers, may art and science prosper as it never has before.  Teach us oh God how to live so as to inherit thy blessing after our career on earth is ended Cleanse our nation from all evil and may we learn to do away with all wars, and “to do unto others as we would have them do unto us” may we pray to have as the angels proclaimed at the birth of our Savior “Peace on earth  and good will to men”.  Let thy light shine into our dark minds that we may clearly see the path of our duty.  Most of all I pray that I may be made a better man that I may do right at all times, that I may grow in wisdom, and always have a desire to assist my fellow mortals in every good thing, as much as I can.  I am anxious that my life shall not prove a cipher in the great [?] of existence, but that it shall be spent in a manner both profitable to myself and to others.  There is a great mark before me, may I shake off the sluggishness of my nature and, awake to its entire importance.  I firmly believe that God has placed me here, on this earth for a grand and noble purpose, may I be prepared to fulfill my calling, may I gather more strength daily, that I may discharge my duties faithfully, without fear or favor, and thus have the approbations of good men, God and my conscience.

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May civilization advance in all its branches more rapidly this year than it has in any one previous, May we learn more of nature’s hidden powers, may art and science prosper as it never has before. Teach us oh God how to live so as to inherit thy blessing after our career on earth is ended Cleanse our nation from all evil and may we learn to do away with all wars, and “to do unto others as we would have them do unto us” may we pray to have as the angels proclaimed at the birth of our Savior “Peace on earth and good will to men”. Let thy light shine into our dark minds that we may clearly see the path of our duty. Most of all I pray that I may be made a better man that I may do right at all times, that I may grow in wisdom, and always have a desire to assist my fellow mortals in every good thing, as much as I can. I am anxious that my life shall not prove a cipher in the great [?] of existence, but that it shall be spent in a manner both profitable to myself and to others. There is a great mark before me, may I shake off the sluggishness of my nature and, awake to its entire importance. I firmly believe that God has placed me here, on this earth for a grand and noble purpose, may I be prepared to fulfill my calling, may I gather more strength daily, that I may discharge my duties faithfully, without fear or favor, and thus have the approbations of good men, God and my conscience.