Never call him fatherless Who has God. ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. For darkness passes storms shall not abide, Thick clouds and darkness cannot conceal Thee, our Heavenly Father, from trustful hearts. Even in our pains Thou art near to soothe and to cheer. We would bless Thee even when our eyes are moist with tears. We would find wells in the valley of Baca. Grant us grace for hard circumstances and light for dark valleys. Strengthen us to bear burdens, and through our afflictions develop in us the character of Jesus Christ. Deliver us from doubt when the clouds lower, and make us feel Thy presence when the storms rage. Inspire us to fight bravely and to wait patiently until the day of victory dawns. Amen. CHARLES P. MACGREGOR. "Be of good cheer," he said; Yet well he knew The way seems hard and weary, too, 66 'Be of good cheer!" "Be of good cheer," he said, O trembling one! So much attempted and so little done? ROSE HENNIKER HEATON. Dear Lord, Our Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we thank Thee for this day. Help us to remember that our Savior knew the weariness of toil, the distraction of petty things, the bitterness of failure and help us like Him to know a peace which we cannot understand. Grant, O God, that for the new day we may receive new faith, increase our love for those who hinder and annoy us, make us more watchful to be kind. Forgive us that we have done so little but do Thou keep us ambitious to do much for Thee. May to-day see less opportunities neglected, fewer minutes wasted or ill-spent than yesterday. In Thy Holy Name we ask it. Amen. HENRY C. SPEED. Nothing can bring peace but the triumph of prin ciples. EMERSON. With faint far bugling in the noble east, In the still air the music lies unheard; Great Master, touch us with thy skillful hand, Spare not the stroke! Do with us as Thou wilt! HORATIO BONAR. Amen. Because the road was steep and long And put a lantern in my hand. Through miles on weary miles of night O golden lights and lights like wine, It is more starlike than a star! JOYCE KILMER GREEN. Thou hast blessed me, Thou hast chastened, I have sought the road to danger, Now I turn to Thee, depending Which Thy love alone can give. FATHER AMADEUS. Amen. He walked with God. Where'er he went abroad, He walked with God. Ill lost its power to harm He walked with God. His was the common lot Shone in his face, diffusing light around. Our Heavenly Father, we thank thee for the men and women of all ages who have walked with Thee, and by so doing have been made to know and feel, and even embody the sweetness and beauty of Thy divine nature, thus giving to their fellow-men the benefit of their experience and inclining other hearts to walk with Thee. Help us as night lifts her sable curtains and the daily work begins, to go to our tasks with cheerful hearts, and with lives so transfigured by Thy love, that they shall bring peace and blessing to every one we meet, and they shall know that we have walked with Thee. Amen. VERNON M. DEMING. |