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Phillips Brooks (Born in Boston, MA December 13, 1835 – Died January 23, 1893) was an American clergyman. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1860 and is best known for writing the Christmas carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Brooks education included Boston Latin School, Virginia Theological Seminary, Harvard University. During the American Civil War, he upheld the cause of the North and opposed slavery, fighting for the rights of freed slaves to vote. He helped to design the Trinity Church building, which is located in Boston’s Back Bay. In 1877, Brooks published a course of lectures on preaching for Yale’s theological school.

“Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.”

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men!”

“I do not pray for a lighter load, but for a stronger back.”

“A prayer in its simplest definition is merely a wish turned Godward.”

“A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words.”

“Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours.”

“The man who has begun to live more seriously within begins to live more simply without.”

“Charity should begin at home, but should not stay there.”

“Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.”