As weary travelers in a train

That stops they know not where,

Catch sometimes through the windows borne
Along the still night air,

A breath so sweet, their tired hearts,
Reviving 'neath its power,

Know well that hidden somewhere near
The wild grape vine's in flower,

So, oft a sudden sweetness here

Breathes through our pilgrim gloom,
And we too know that somewhere near,
God hath a soul in bloom.

WILLIAM HERVEY WOODS.

We thank Thee, our Father, for the gracious privilege of coming to Thee every day. Grant that Thy Guardians of Truth and Purity may ever stand on guard at the portals of our heart. Bestow upon us we pray a vision of Thyself that we may walk with Thee and do Thy service. May the fragrance of thy presence as reflected in other lives help us to self-mastery. Guide us so this day that we may be an inspiration and not a hindrance to others in their hour of need. Abide with us, and then this day will be filled with the sunlight of God and the music of Heaven. Forgive us for the past and may this day reflect our love for Thee. Amen.

EVERETT A. BURNES.

Ah God, for a man with heart, head, hand
One still strong man in a blatant land
Whatever they shall call him, what care I,
Aristocrat, democrat, autocrat one
Who can rule and dare not lie!

ALFRED TENNYSON.

When you have decided that a thing ought to be done, and are doing it, never avoid being seen doing it, though the many shall form an unfavorable opinion about it. For if it is not right to do it, avoid doing the thing; but if it is right, why are you afraid of those who shall find fault wrongly?

EPICTETUS.

O Lord, Jesus Christ, vouchsafe unto us in all our decision, action, endurance, yea, even in our chastening, that our continuance in well-doing may be patient under suffering, our ideals unsullied by sin, our efforts unblighted by injustice; and may our character remain incorruptible amid all the changes, anxieties, and falsities of an age when truth is so often spurned, and righteousness disesteemed. Make our lives radiant with the joy that is forever, and wilt Thou, O Christ, Thou Good Shepherd of the sheep, bring us at last safe home to the fold which is the heart of God. Amen.

RICHARD WRIGHT.

In the blue sky one little star

And in my soul a hope so young,
And white and starlike, trembling still,
By God upon my life-string hung.

In the high tree a cheerful bird

And in mine ear a burst of song,
To bring me joy and soft-eyed peace,
And make my pulses beat more strong.

On the far hills a crimson shines,
And in my heart a dawn of light -

To-day Love's roses will be red,
To-day my hours will be bright.

WILLIAM J. FISCHER.

Our Father, we rejoice in the light of this day.

The night ofttimes

seems long, but the morning always brings cheer. The stars fade but the glorious sun will rise. So hope never dies. Grant, O gracious God, that as the song bird's note refreshes our spirits, so may we by our words of cheer through the day and days bring to saddened hearts the solace sought. Disarm us of every fear, keep us from questionings and the blighting blindness of distrust, and flood our souls with the divine. Amen.

W. H. BAYLOR.

*

No matter how we turn or twist
How strenuously we persist,
Whatever has been or will be,
Whatever other change we see,
We cannot change this, anyhow;
'Tis always now.

It never leaves us, year by year,
The faithful Now is always here,
And, though the swift hours scurry fast,
And but an instant Time doth last,
To other instants giving place,

All through our lives it is the same,
In deep obscurity, in fame.

Hence, since our steps 'twill not forsake,
Who makes the best of now will make

In peace or war, in rest or strife,

The best of Life!

JOHN KENDRICK BANGS.

O Thou, help us rightly to value the days and years Thou givest us. Through all the flow of time may Thy divine grace work in us and through us, and so may Thine image be perfected in our hearts and Thy kingdom established among men. Forbid that we, through concern about eternity, should fail to appreciate the present with its opportunities for growth and service. In the light of the great ideal that illumined the life of the Christ may we take up the duties that each day brings to us and perform them with quiet joy. Amen.

WILLIAM B. GEOGHEGAN.

Oh, sing for the wind that blows
From the salt and storm of the sea!
And sing for the gull that goes
Wide-winged and fearlessly-
Bold, bold is the life he knows;
A guest of the gale is he.

Oh, sing for the vale of Peace

Where zephyrs are slow and soft,
Where ragings and strivings cease
And the skylark soars aloft!
Oh, sing for the hearts that leap
And rise to the stress of life,

And sing for the eyes too brave to weep
And the souls too great for strife!
CLARISSA DIXON.

We come to Thee, O Righteous Father, with joy and gladness in our hearts. Thy works proclaim Thy goodness. Thou art the brightness of the morning. The birds sing Thy praises; the flowers reflect Thy glory; the grasses of the field, swept by the zephyrs of the dawn, bend in adoring reverence before Thee. The clouds are Thy chariot; the thunders Thy voice. We thank Thee for Thy loving care over us and we believe Thy goodness will follow us to the end. Forgive our sins. Help us to help others, and keep us faithful unto death. We ask these blessings in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

JOHN E. ADAMS.