Father, we pray Thee that in every emergency of our lives we may be faithful to the duty which the day demands, and with reverent spirits acquit us like men, doing what should be done, bearing what must be borne, and so growing greater from our toil and our sufferings, till we transfigure ourselves into noble images of humanity, which are blameless within and beautiful without, and acceptable to Thy spirit. So may Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, the dominion and honor forever and ever. Amen. THEODORE PARKER. August 16 _It was only a glad "Good Morning" As she passed along the way; But it spread the morning's glory Over the livelong day._ CARLOTTA PERRY. _Smile upon the troubled pilgrims Whom you pass and meet; Frowns are thorns, and smiles are blossoms, Oft to weary feet. Do not make the way seem harder By a sullen face; Smile a little, smile a little, Brighten up the place._ ELLA WHEELER WILCOX. Father, in this morning hour, we would look into Thy face and feel the sweetness of that transforming influence which is forever baptizing Thy world with light and gladness, adding beauty to beauty and glory to glory. Baptize us anew, with this all-pervading spirit and send us out into this day's work to meet its varied experiences with trusting hearts and smiling faces. May we each send forth a brightening, gladdening influence to cheer and strengthen and uplift every weary, troubled pilgrim whom we meet on this day's journey. So may it be ours to enter into closer and diviner fellowship with Thee, our Father, whose greatest joy is to impart joy and blessing to Thy waiting children. Amen. ANNETTE J. SHAW. August 17 _There are nettles everywhere, But smooth green grasses are more common still; The blue of heaven is larger than the cloud._ ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. _Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies;-- Hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower--but if I could understand What you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is._ ALFRED TENNYSON.