One step, and then another, And the longest walk is ended; One stitch and then another, And the largest rent is mended One brick upon another, And the highest wall is made; One flake upon another, And the deepest snow is laid. So the little coral workers, By their slow, but constant, motion, Have built those pretty islands In the distant, dark blue ocean; And the noblest undertakings Man's wisdom hath conceived, By oft-repeated efforts Have been patiently achieved. NEVER, MY CHILD, FORGET TO PRAY. Never, my child, forget to pray, Whate'er the business of the day; If happy dreams have blessed thy sleep, Or startling fears have made thee weep. With holy thoughts begin the day, And ne'er, my child, forget to pray; Ask Him, by whom the birds are fed, To give to thee thy daily bread. If wealth her bounty should bestow, Praise Him from whom all blessings flow; If He, who gave, should take away, Never, my child, forget to pray. The time will come, when thou wilt miss A father's and a mother's kiss; And then, my child, perchance thou'lt see, Some who, in prayer, ne'er bend the knee; From such examples turn away, And ne'er, my child, forget to pray. THE CHILD'S PRAYER. I am a very little child, Yet God, who dwells above, Will hear me, if I rightly pray, And answer me in love. Heavenly Father! wilt thou bless My father and my mother; And also bless my sister dear; And bless my baby brother. Forgive me, if I've been to-day A very naughty child; And teach me how I may become A boy both good and mild. And keep me out of every ill; And teach me how to pray, That I may be a better child On every coming day. A CHILD-LIKE SPIRIT. Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me, The changes that will surely come, I do not fear to see; I ask Thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing thee. I ask thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And wipe the weeping eyes; A heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize. I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, And seeks for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know: I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go. Wherever in the world I am, In whatsoe'er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts To keep and cultivate; A work of lowly love to do, For Him on whom I wait. I ask Thee for the daily strength To none that ask denied; A mind to blend with outward life, While keeping at Thy side; Content to fill a little space, If Thou be glorified. And if some things I do not ask In my cup of blessing be, I'd have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to Thee,-- More careful not to serve Thee much, But please Thee perfectly.