Better than friends and kindred, Better than love and rest, Dearer than hope and triumph, Is the name I wear on my breast. I feel my way through the shadows With a confident heart and brave; I shall live in the light beyond them; I shall conquer death and the grave. Often when tried and tempted, Often, ashamed of sin-- That, strong as an armed invader, Has made wreck of the peace within-- That wonderful loving-kindness, Patient and full and free, Has stooped for my consolation; Has brought a blessing to me. Therefore my lips shall praise thee, Therefore, let come what may, To the height of a solemn gladness My song shall arise to-day. Not on the drooping willow Shall I hang my harp in the land, When the Lord himself has cheered me By the touch of his pierced hand. --Margaret Elizabeth Sangster. To try each day his will to know; To tread the way his will may show; To live for him who gave me life; To strive for him who suffered strife And sacrifice through death for me-- Let this my joy, my portion be. THANKS I thank thee, Lord, for mine unanswered prayers, Unanswered save thy quiet, kindly "Nay"; Yet it seemed hard among my heavy cares-- That bitter day. I wanted joy; but Thou didst know for me That sorrow was the gift I needed most, And in its mystic depths I learned to see The Holy Ghost. I wanted health; but thou didst bid me sound The secret treasuries of pain, And in the moans and groans my heart oft found Thy Christ again. I wanted wealth; 'twas not the better part; There is a wealth with poverty oft given. And thou didst teach me of the gold of heart-- Best gift of heaven. I thank thee, Lord, for these unanswered prayers, And for thy word, the quiet, kindly "Nay." 'Twas thy withholding lightened all my cares That blessed day. --Oliver Huckel. THE GLORIOUS MORN Open the shutters free and wide. And "glorify the room"; That no dark shadows here may bide-- That there be naught of gloom. What joy to breathe the morning air, And see the sun again; With living things God's love to share, In recompense for pain. --Henry Coyle. For all the evils under the sun There is some remedy or none; If there is one be sure to find it; If there is none, why, never mind it. EVENING PRAISE Again, O God, the night shuts down, Again I kneel to praise! Thy wisdom, love, and truth and power Have long made glad my days. And, now, with added gratitude, An evening hymn I raise.