66

66

Over a broad open plain there blows a strong, steady wind. It never stops, it never changes. All over the plain there are men and women on their journeys. Hear them cry out. "This wind, this dreadful wind!" cries one, all out of breath, and gasping. How bitter it is, how cruel, how it hates me!" This wind, this blessed wind!" cries another, within bail of him. "How kind it is, how helpful, how it loves me !' Are there two winds, or has the one fickle wind its favourites? No, the one constant wind is blowing steadily and is no respecter of persons; but one man has set his face against it and the other man is walking with it.

PHILLIPS BROOKS.

Lord of the wind and wave, by whose unchanging law nature is governed, help me to journey bravely through Thy world. I ask no more that Thou

shouldst turn the tide and the breeze to favour

me, for Thou hast other ships upon the sea, and other pilgrims on the earth, whose ways are not mine. But give me a heart to take the weather as it comes; and whether I must face the gale or travel with the wind, teach me to go forward steadily and cheerfully, and bring me home at last for Christ's sake. Amen.

HENRY VAN DYKE,

Do you sometimes feel that you're running down,
That life is a bubble, a darksome frown,

With nothing but bitters within your cup?
Look out on the broad and boundless sea,
And let your spirit go roving free,
Afar from your thoughts of misery.
Cheer up!

Do you sometimes feel that your nerves are wrecked,
And with wish to do that you cannot act;

Do you dream by night of your epitaph?
Look out on the fair and gracious sky,
And list to the bird notes sounding high,
And there let your unleashed spirit fly,
And laugh.

JOHN KENDRICK BANGS.

We thank Thee, O Father, for Thy blessed promise that at evening time it shall be light. Help us to remember, when shadows lengthen and cares multiply that at evening time it shall be light. Bring us in again, O Father, to faith and cheer. Bind up for us the raveled sleeve of care; and grant us to receive, and help us to radiate, the light of Thy presence as revealed in Jesus Christ our Savior; for Thy Name's sake. Amen.

FRED WINSLOW ADAMS.

Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep,

Come to my blankets and come to my bed, Come to my legs and my arms and my head, Over me, under me, into me creep.

Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep,

Blow on my face like a soft breath of air, Lay your cool hand on my forehead and hair, Carry me down through the dream-waters deep.

Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep,

Tell me the secrets that you alone know,

Show me the wonders none other can show, Open the box where your treasures you keep.

Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep,

Softly I call you; as soft and as slow Come to me, cuddle me, stay with me so, Stay till the dawn is beginning to peep.

HENRY JOHNSTONE.

Our Father in Heaven, as we lie down to-night tired but not discouraged, we thank Thee for the strange mysterious renewal that comes from sleep. In some magic way, the how of which we do not know, Thou pourest out Thy Spirit upon us while we are unconscious. It enters into our hearts and minds, into our veins and blood, and behold we awake refreshed and strong for a new day. Be Thou with us while we sleep tonight. Amen.

GEORGE L. PERIN.

One of the sweet old chapters,
After a day like this.

The day brought tears and troubles,
The evening brings no kiss,
Nor rest in the arms I long for,
Rest and refuge and home,
Grieved and lonely and weary,
Unto the book I come.

One of the sweet old chapters,
The love that blossoms through
His care of the birds and lilies
Out in the meadow dew.
His evening lies soft around them,
Their faith is only to be;

Ah! hushed by the tender lesson,
My God, let me rest in Thee!

ALICE CARY.

Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for everything Thou dost send into our lives. We thank Thee for the Blessed Book and what it teaches us. It soothes our sorrows, dries our tears and comforts our hearts. Thy word reveals Thyself to us, and thus we may know God; it reveals Jesus Christ to us, thus may we have a Saviour. It reveals the Holy Spirit to us and thus may we be enlightened. Blessed Word! It is our refuge, our guide, our inspiration. With it we can never be alone, for our Father speaks to us. May we now and always rest in Thee. Watch over us this night and all nights, tomorrow and all tomorrows, until days and nights blend into one blessed eternity of joy with Thee. Amen.

W. H. MAIN.

Be strong to hope, O Heart!
Though day is bright,
The stars can only shine
In the dark night.

Be strong, O Heart of mine,
Look towards the light!

Be strong to love, O Heart!
Love knows not wrong;
Didst thou love, creatures even,
Life were not long;

Didst thou love God in Heaven,
Thou wouldst be strong.

ADELAIDE A. PROCTER.

Father of Lights, with whom can be no variation neither shadow that is cast by turning, we lift our hearts to Thee. The lights in our skies come and go; but however moons may wane and stars hide under the clouds, may the twin stars of hope and love never fail us. Give us hope for the causes and the men that seem most hopeless and may we never cease our toil in their behalf. Grant that we may never be quite hopeless concerning ourselves whatever our ill desert. We have attempted little and failed much. Forgive us. Grant us the love of our kind if it may be, but give us above all to realize the love which brings heaven to earth. Amen.

C. L. GOODELL.