Infinite Spirit, Thou seest us just as we are. In Thy sight there can be no make-believe; we need not seek to offer Thee as a penance for our sins some cheap alms to the poor, for Thy favor cannot be bought. We pray simply that we may be just,--that we may be true. If we have wronged anyone, help us to right the wrong. If we have been false to ourselves or false to our neighbors, O Lord, make us true,--we seek no easy admission to a far-off heaven, we seek Thy presence here and now, today, by the only pathway open, the pathway of righteousness and truth. That we may enter this pathway, grant us we pray Thee the illumination of Thy Holy Spirit. Amen. GEORGE L. PERIN. July 13 _The law of worthy life is fundamentally the law of strife. It is only through labor, painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things._ THEODORE ROOSEVELT. _If we would please God we must watch every stroke and touch upon the canvas of our lives; we may not think we can lay it on with a trowel and yet succeed. We ought to live as miniature painters work, for they watch every line and tint._ SPURGEON. As we begin this new day, O our Father, may such energy and vigor, such strength and courage, such faith and hope be ours that the problems and tasks awaiting us may be boldly and gladly met as challenges to our powers. May that abundant life be in us which shall make our difficulties a tonic, and the struggle to achieve high aims a joy. May we be resourceful, equal to life, adequate to every situation, able to stand this universe,--men who can. May we count it a privilege to live, to have a vision of life's possibilities, and to have the fellowship of so many good men and women by the way. Amen. GEORGE R. DODSON. July 14 _With place, with gold, with power--oh, ask me not With these my little hour of life to blot. A little hour indeed! and I would fain Its moments spend in what is worth its pain. What traveler would faint through troublous lands To gather only what must leave his hands The moment that he takes his homeward ship? Earth's goods and gauds give every man the slip; But wealth of thought and richer wealth of love, Must pass for coin in any world above. The good to others done while here I strive Is all at last that shall my dying shrive; And, setting sail, my slight self-conquest's store Is all my freight if I shall come to shore._ ANONYMOUS.