100 years ago

Sorting out all manner of things as we begin to "de-clutter" and pack for the big move, I came across this old autograph 'album' that was given to my husband's grandmother in 1910. Oh, how much has changed in our attitude to life over these past 100 years. The verses and messages in the book, written by friends and relatives of the girl (young woman, really) who owned it are simple  -  full of care and meaning that is somehow foreign to us today. Naive they may be, but they tell of a simpler life and a life of faith and honesty - sometimes with a touch of religion, sometimes with a touch if (innocent) humour. Many with sage advice.
I quote:
If you wish to have success,
Five things observe with care:
                                                           To whom you speak, of whom you speak,
                                                            And how, and when, and where.

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And, another page reads:

You may write your names in albums,
 You may print them in the sand;
 You may carve them into marble,
 With a firm and skilful hand.

 
Each word will soon be sullied
 Each name will fade away;
 Each monument will crumble,
 Like all earthly things decay.

  But dear friend their (sic) is a book,
 With pages of snowy white,
 Where no name is ever tarnished;
 But for “ever” will shine bright.
 
And in that book, “God’s Album”,
 May your name be penned with care,
 And all who here have written,
 Write their names for “ever” there.

Amazing!
Imagine reading something like those words on FaceBook today !! A lot has changed in 100 years.

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