Infinite and Holy One, by the tender mercies of Thy great love show us this day the true life that is hid in Thee. Feed us with Thy spirit that we hunger not. Make us strong and merciful in Thee. Help us to be simple, brave, and true. Give us to speak and live the truth. Make us content with life while ever dreaming of the more perfect day. Fix our lives in a great and brave integrity. Humble us in our pride, lift us from our despondency. Keep our hearts pure and our lips from speaking guile. Send us forth in perfect faith that here and now our lives may be patterned after that of Jesus without loss of influence over men. Make us not ashamed to be good and forgiving and gentle in all our ways. Amen. FREDERICK W. BETTE. March 9 _Count each affliction, whether light or grave, God's messenger sent down to thee; do thou With courtesy receive him; rise and bow; And, ere his shadow pass thy threshold, crave Permission first his heavenly foot to lave._ * * * * * _Grief should be Like joy, majestic, equable, sedate, Confirming, cleansing, raising, making free. Strong to consume small troubles; to commend Great thoughts, grave thoughts, thoughts lasting to the end._ AUBREY DEVERE. Our Father, we would learn to trust Thy love, to live so that Thy grace shall have in us its perfect work. Not the easy thing is what we ask, but strength for duty. Give us the confidence that Thou art by our side. Let Thy strong touch be felt, Thy blessed presence seen. In all the turmoil that rages within, without, grant us Thy peace. In childish helplessness, grant us the Father's help. To grow like Jesus is our heart's desire. All things that Thy great heart permits or sends, we would receive with gratitude, that so our wills and lives may be in harmony with Thine. And so day by day may something of the Saviour's glory shine through us and bless and brighten other lives in need. Amen. FRANK M. HOLT. March 10 _Dawn and its silence draw a silver sigh Far in the east where early shadows lie All flocked and folded like soft peaceful sheep. The spirit of the spring stirs in its sleep, Breathes into life a misty floating sheen; The willows dreamy drip of constant green; Exultant beats a bird-heart o'er a nest, Where dim, vague stirrings 'neath the tiny breast Spell fresh the miracle of motherhood. Ah, how the world is young! ah, how 'tis good! To feel the new life flutter mystic wing; Like to a lark to feel one's soul upspring, Transpierce the very limit of the sky, And toss its challenge to Eternity!_ MARY BALDWIN.