There is no cloud but hath a silver lining,

No gloom that does not hide heaven's radiant blue; Pain is a passing cloud, — the heart's repining Must end in victory, if that heart be true. For God is just and life the lesson learning Which Wisdom gives to mark the upward climb Of soul toward truth, nor can our backward turning Hinder or haste the coming of God's time.

E. ALICE BRADLEY.

O Lord, whose joy through years of sorrow never wavered; whose patience through deep passion never wearied, grant unto us this day the fact that brings Thee very near. In our battles, in our temptations, may we know Thy presence and be strong. Teach us that when one door shuts another opens, that we may never stand in doubt and give place to the adversary. May we come to know that worry is an enemy whom we in Thy strength may withstand and by such services may we greatly cheer our fellows. Grant that in the midst of the duties of this day and all days we may walk in the footsteps of our blessed Lord. Amen.

ALBERT M. MACLEOD.

Courage, brother! do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There's a star to guide the humble;
Trust in God and do the right.

Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight,
Foot it bravely! strong or weary,
Trust in God and do the right.

Perish policy and cunning,

Perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right.

Trust no party, sect or faction;
Trust no leaders in the fight;
But in every word and action
Trust in God and do the right.

NORMAN MACLEOD.

We thank Thee, our Father, for grace promised for every time of need. Thy Son, our Saviour, did not call His disciples to a life of ease. Hardships and crosses were theirs. We have seen how they were persecuted, but were enabled to endure and withal to enjoy "the peace which passeth understanding." As Thou didst guide and uphold Thy servants of old, so Thou wilt do unto us if we put our trust in Thee. Help us this day to meet every trial, conscious of Thy presence and sustaining grace. May we, trusting in Thee, do the right in all things. Amen.

MERRICK O. BENNETT.

I prayed for wealth:

Then what I had, all that I lost.

I prayed for fame:

It came to others, but me it mocked.

I prayed for health:

But strength grew less, and with it heart and hope. I prayed for courage:

But cruel, heartless fate gave only fear for what I asked,

I prayed to die:

But awful answer this

a living death. I prayed at last, Thy will alone be done:

Then heaven heard and gave me all the good

I asked before, a thousandfold;

And with it love to God and all mankind

And deathless life.

FRANK N. RIALE.

Heavenly Father, grant to us the spirit of sincere, unfeigned humility, and by the gracious influences of Thy Spirit cherish, and deepen, and perfect it, that we may build for Thee of lowly thoughts and lowly aims an abiding place within our souls. Forgive whatever has grieved Thy love in our thoughts or words or deeds, and if, consciously or unconsciously, we have become estranged from Thee, have mercy upon us according to Thy loving kindness. May we not strive to master others, but may we aim in love to serve them. We ask this, in the spirit of

Him who came not to be ministered unto, but to

minister. Amen.

GEORGE L. PAYSON.

Because I lift my head above the mist,

Where the sun shines and the broad breezes blow,
By every ray and every raindrop kissed
That God's love doth bestow;

Think you I find no bitterness at all,

No burden to be borne like Christian's pack? Think you there are no ready tears to fall Because I keep them back?

Dark skies must clear, and when the clouds are past,
One golden day redeems a weary year.
Patient, I listen, sure that sweet at last
Will sound his voice of cheer.

CELIA THAXter.

Heavenly Father, we seek Thee early for our hearts are burdened. Forgive us if we have borne the load alone until our souls are paralyzed, and we idly wait the better day. O God, how many there are this day more tried than we, friends untrue, poverty withering the soul, ideals unrealized, loved ones snatched away. Grant us this morning a new vision of Thy love. Help us to see Thy purpose when the hour is darkest. Upon Thee we cast all our care. We yoke ourselves with Thee to-day. Send us forth with courage and gladness to meet the day and its tasks. Amen.

H. BLUNT.

Would'st learn to know one little flower,
Its perfume, perfect form and hue?
Yea, would'st thou have one perfect hour
Of all years that come to you?
Then grow as God hath planned, grow
A lordly oak or daisy low,

As He hath set his garden; be
Just what thou art, or grass or tree.
Thy treasures up in heaven laid,
Await thy sure ascending soul,
Life after life-be not afraid.

JOAQUIN MILLer.

O Eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we, Thy children, claim Thee as our Father. We thank Thee that Thou art more to us than our Creator. Thou didst create the bird, the flower and the star, but Thou art not the Father of bird and flower and star. When Thou dost call Thyself our Father, it means more than that Thou didst make us; it means that we may enter into sacred and intimate relations with Thee, as a child with an earthly father. Thou hast promised to take up Thine abode with those who love Thee, and find in Thee the home of our souls. Amen.

HARRY H. BEATTYS.