_If we but knew the secret of that power That opes the bud in early days of spring, If we but knew what makes the robin sing His wondrous song just at the matin hour, If we but knew the priceless boon and dower Of human life when man is truly king. If we but understood the little thing That vexes us just at the present hour, If we but knew--ah, well, 'tis vain to sigh And speculate on things beyond our ken! We know that earth is fair and life is sweet, And something tells us that we cannot die. And if we live and love the good, ah! then We face to face with truth some day must meet._ CLARENCE HAWKES. O Lord, we thank Thee for a day so sweet and fair as this, when the trees lift up their hands in a psalm of gratitude to Thee, and every little flower that opens its cup and every wandering bird seem filled by Thy spirit, and grateful to Thee. We thank Thee for all thine handwritings of revelation on the walls of the world, on the heavens above us and the ground beneath, and all the testimonies recorded there of Thy presence, Thy power, Thy justice, and Thy love. Amen. THEODORE PARKER. April 5 _Yet we must give the children leave to use Our garden tools, though they spoil tool and plant In learning. So the Master may not scorn Our awkwardness, as with these bungling hands We try to unroot the ill, and plant with good Life's barren soil: the child is learning use. Perhaps the angels even are forbid To laugh at us, or may not care to laugh, With kind eyes pitying our little hurts._ EDWARD ROWLAND SILL. Our Father: Thou knowest how unskilled are these hands and hearts of ours. Thou knowest how much that we do, think, and speak often tends to retard the progress of that which we would promote. Give us, then, this day that wisdom which is from above, that no touch of our hand may mar the beauty of one of Thy creations: no thought nor word wrong one of Thy creatures. Help us to know that we are workers with God, and in this knowledge may we strive for that excellence of service that shall hasten the coming of that kingdom of peace, joy and righteousness which is life eternal. Amen. FLORENCE KOLLOCK CROOKER. April 6 _Plant flowers in the soul's front yard, Set out new shade and blossom trees, An' let the soul once froze an' hard, Sprout crocuses of new idees._ _Yes, clean yer house, an' clean yer shed, An' clean yer barn in ev'ry part; But brush the cobwebs from yer head, An' sweep the snow banks from yer heart._ SAM WALTER FOSS.