I go to prove my soulI see my way as birds their trackless way.I shall arrive! what time, what circuit first,I ask not; but unless God send His hailOr blinding fire-balls, sleet or stifling snow,In some time, His good time, I shall arrive;He guides me and the bird. In His good time!Robert Browning.
I go to prove my soulI see my way as birds their trackless way.I shall arrive! what time, what circuit first,I ask not; but unless God send His hailOr blinding fire-balls, sleet or stifling snow,In some time, His good time, I shall arrive;He guides me and the bird. In His good time!
Robert Browning.
Once more we face the day that can be dreadful only to our poor sight and trembling faith. For Thou hast made flame and pain, the hurricane and quaking earth to be Thy ministers of grace. Shall trust depart when shadows fall? Thou art "in the shadow keeping watch above Thine own." As truly in severity as in gentleness, Thou art the All-Loving and All-Wise. Shall we fear to go anywhere? Lord, Thou art everywhere! Defend us only from the blindness and fear of ignorance and sin. Draw us nearer to Thee, this day, by any means in Thy good pleasure, so that at last, truly knowing Thy way, we shall rise above the worst that circumstances may do into joy unspeakable and peace unbroken. In the name of Him made perfect through suffering. Amen.
Henry B. Taylor.
March 8
We complain of the slow, dull life we are forced to lead, of our humble sphere of action, of our low position in the scale of society, of our having no room to make ourselves known, of our wasted energies, of our years of patience. So do we say that we have no Father who is directing our life, so do we say that God has forgotten us, so do we boldly judge what life is best for us, and so by our complaining do we lose the use and profit of the quiet years.
We complain of the slow, dull life we are forced to lead, of our humble sphere of action, of our low position in the scale of society, of our having no room to make ourselves known, of our wasted energies, of our years of patience. So do we say that we have no Father who is directing our life, so do we say that God has forgotten us, so do we boldly judge what life is best for us, and so by our complaining do we lose the use and profit of the quiet years.
Bishop Huntington.
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 thouWith courtesy receive him; rise and bow;And, ere his shadow pass thy threshold, cravePermission first his heavenly foot to lave.* * * * *Grief should beLike joy, majestic, equable, sedate,Confirming, cleansing, raising, making free.Strong to consume small troubles; to commendGreat thoughts, grave thoughts, thoughts lasting to the end.Aubrey DeVere.
Count each affliction, whether light or grave,God's messenger sent down to thee; do thouWith courtesy receive him; rise and bow;And, ere his shadow pass thy threshold, cravePermission first his heavenly foot to lave.* * * * *Grief should beLike joy, majestic, equable, sedate,Confirming, cleansing, raising, making free.Strong to consume small troubles; to commendGreat 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 sighFar in the east where early shadows lieAll 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 breastSpell 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.
Dawn and its silence draw a silver sighFar in the east where early shadows lieAll 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 breastSpell 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.
O God, our heavenly Father, make our hearts exultant, as the earth in the spring morning, with the radiance of Thy Presence. Fill them with the joy and hopefulness of eternal youth, and cause them to be uplifted in gratitude and thankfulness to Thee. We have seen earthly faces so beaming with the light of love that we never shall forget them. We have spoken names that are so endeared to us that they will linger in our memory as long as we live. So, O Father, may it be with Thy face and Thy name. May Thy face beaming upon us as the sun of righteousness win our love to holiness and virtue, making us fruitful of good works, and Thy name be so woven in our affections that we shall cherish and hallow it forever. Amen.
Edgar W. Preble.
March 11
You must be serving something, some one, that needs your help in order to really appreciate the Divine care. It may be the parents' care of their children; the teacher and her scholars; the charity-worker and the poor, the friendless, the benighted; it may be friend helping friend—in some way the life of loving service must be there as something out of which God can help us think of and value the care which infinite love bestows upon us.
You must be serving something, some one, that needs your help in order to really appreciate the Divine care. It may be the parents' care of their children; the teacher and her scholars; the charity-worker and the poor, the friendless, the benighted; it may be friend helping friend—in some way the life of loving service must be there as something out of which God can help us think of and value the care which infinite love bestows upon us.
Julian K. Smyth.
Heavenly Father, with the opening of a new day we thank Thee for father love and mother love, for love of patriot and philanthropist, and for the love which that has called into being in our own hearts. Through this love and the service of mutual helpfulness to which we have been led thereby, Thou openest our eyes to behold the world pervaded and overruled by a spirit of infinite goodness, society resting upon mutual services, and through that service mankind rising to a nobler and diviner civilization. Help us to be mindful of this heavenly vision, and so make our feet swift to run and our hands eager to work in the service of righteousness and mutual helpfulness. We ask in His name, who loving us, has taught us the divinity of service. Amen.
LeGrand Powers.
March 12
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt.
But only he whose judgment never straysBeyond the threshold of the right, learns this—Not always is it good to have one's wish;What seemeth sweet full oft to bitter turns;Fulfilled desire hath made mine eyes to weep.Therefore, O reader of these lines, if thouWould'st virtuous be, and held by others dearWill ever for the power to do aright.Leonardo da Vinci.
But only he whose judgment never straysBeyond the threshold of the right, learns this—Not always is it good to have one's wish;What seemeth sweet full oft to bitter turns;Fulfilled desire hath made mine eyes to weep.Therefore, O reader of these lines, if thouWould'st virtuous be, and held by others dearWill ever for the power to do aright.
Leonardo da Vinci.
God of the morning light, with the dawn of another day we come to Thee with prayer for help in the steadfastness of our manifold duties. The cares that oppress us, the burdens we carry, the obligations that fall upon us, are too much for our little strength without Thy help. That help we crave from Thee, the only source of all-availing strength. Let us not be dismayed by the powers of this world or busy ourselves in vain ambitions seeking the praise of men, but may we seek that Divine approval which is of more worth than all the favors of earth. Make us brave and strong to follow in the way of Thine appointment, and grant that we may so sincerely feel and act in the busy times of this day that when the evening comes no wasted hours may be laid to our charge. Amen.
Edward M. Barney.
March 13
You are in God's world; you are God's child. Those things you cannot change; the only peace and rest and happiness for you is to accept them and rejoice in them. When God speaks to you, you must not believe that it is the wind blowing or the torrent falling from the hill. You must know that it is God. You must gather up the whole power of meeting Him. You must be thankful that life is great and not little. You must listen as if listening were your life. And then, then only can come peace. All other sounds will be caught up into the prevailing richness of that voice of God. The lost proportions will be perfectly restored. Discord will cease; harmony will be complete.
You are in God's world; you are God's child. Those things you cannot change; the only peace and rest and happiness for you is to accept them and rejoice in them. When God speaks to you, you must not believe that it is the wind blowing or the torrent falling from the hill. You must know that it is God. You must gather up the whole power of meeting Him. You must be thankful that life is great and not little. You must listen as if listening were your life. And then, then only can come peace. All other sounds will be caught up into the prevailing richness of that voice of God. The lost proportions will be perfectly restored. Discord will cease; harmony will be complete.
Phillips Brooks.
Almighty God! We thank Thee for the peace and comfort of the night; for the new day and all the hope and peace and promise that it brings to us. Help us that with glad faces and joyous hearts we may take up its every privilege and duty, doing, in the spirit of the Master every good and helpful thing our hands find to do. And when the evening shall have come may we look back on a day of plenty, service, and peace, retiring to our rest with songs in our hearts and thanksgiving on our lips because Thy blessings have been on this, as on all other days new every morning and fresh every evening. Amen.
George Mayo Gerrish.
March 14
It is the first mild day of March:Each minute sweeter than before,The red-breast sings from the tall larchThat stands beside our door.There is a blessing in the air,Which seems a sense of joy to yield,To the bare trees and mountain bare,And grass in the green field.William Wordsworth.
It is the first mild day of March:Each minute sweeter than before,The red-breast sings from the tall larchThat stands beside our door.There is a blessing in the air,Which seems a sense of joy to yield,To the bare trees and mountain bare,And grass in the green field.
William Wordsworth.
Our Father, we wake each morning refreshed and thankful for the joy of living; for the air we breathe, the things we see, the sounds of nature's sweetest harmonies and all the beauty which surrounds our earthly life. May the wonders of the earth speak to us in witness of Thy love. Let springing-grass and opening flower remind us of the new life which is ours through the resurrection of our Lord. His blessing like the light of the sun runs everywhere, carrying with it morning and hope, springtime and gladness. The joy is in the song of the birds, the murmur of the waters, the children's laughter and the song of happy hearts. Attune our hearts to notes of praise and make us glad upon the earth until Thou bringest us to perfect and unshadowed joys where we shall see Thee as Thou art and be like Thee. Amen.
J. W. Stephan.
March 15
As to equality and inequality, all the beauty and glory of life come from inequalities. If we were all Beethovens or Shakespeares or marvelous in any one direction, life would be unbearable. Who shall tell me if an Easter lily is the equal of a rose, or if either is equal to an oak or a pine? The question of equality is out of the court. The one thing we need to do is to cultivate the finest and sweetest things in us; and then, whether we are one of the California big trees or the violet in a valley, we shall help on the beauty and glory of the earth.
As to equality and inequality, all the beauty and glory of life come from inequalities. If we were all Beethovens or Shakespeares or marvelous in any one direction, life would be unbearable. Who shall tell me if an Easter lily is the equal of a rose, or if either is equal to an oak or a pine? The question of equality is out of the court. The one thing we need to do is to cultivate the finest and sweetest things in us; and then, whether we are one of the California big trees or the violet in a valley, we shall help on the beauty and glory of the earth.
Robert Collyer.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the manifold beauties of Thy universe, the revelations of Thyself to Thy children. For those large wonders which stir men's minds and rouse their souls to awe, we thank Thee, but not less for the little things of life, filling their places well, and showing daily to the seeing eye that without them Thy universe could not be complete. Help us to grasp the lesson that they teach. If Thou hast given to us the great place, we thank Thee, but we thank Thee not less for the homely task, the humble duty, for it is all necessary to Thy plan. Help us, day by day, with stronger purpose, larger consecration, to fill our place, to do Thy will, in His name. Amen.
George F. Fortier.
March 16
There must be a way of taking worry rightly, so that it shall do us good and not harm. Worry, rightly taken, should train to quietness, humility, patience, gentleness, sympathy. It ought not to eventuate (though it naturally does) in making others suffer because we are uncomfortable; in making us a source of painful worry to others because we are worried ourselves.
There must be a way of taking worry rightly, so that it shall do us good and not harm. Worry, rightly taken, should train to quietness, humility, patience, gentleness, sympathy. It ought not to eventuate (though it naturally does) in making others suffer because we are uncomfortable; in making us a source of painful worry to others because we are worried ourselves.
A. H. K. Boyd.
Father of Love, Thy blessing it is which gives us another day. Help us to put before its cares the spirit that will banish care, to find in its beginning the power that will make labors happy and its ending sweet, and so to open our hearts to Thy light that no gloom of night shall linger round our way. If heaviness there be in ours or others' lives may every wholesome cheer make it less sore. If remembered faults and follies quench a better hope, send Thy patience and Thy will to be our courage and fresh resolve. Through all the noisy world may the secret music of Thy law swell in our breasts and every step keep time with its glorious march. Amen.
John Day.
March 17
Therefore to whom turn I but to Thee, the ineffable Name?Builder and maker, Thou, of houses not made with hands!What, have fear of change from Thee who art ever the same!Doubt that Thy power can fill the heart that Thy power expands!There shall never be one lost good! What was, shall live as before;The evil is null, is nought, is silence implying sound;What was good, shall be good, with, for evil, so much good more;On the earth the broken arcs; in the heaven, a perfect round.Robert Browning.
Therefore to whom turn I but to Thee, the ineffable Name?Builder and maker, Thou, of houses not made with hands!What, have fear of change from Thee who art ever the same!Doubt that Thy power can fill the heart that Thy power expands!There shall never be one lost good! What was, shall live as before;The evil is null, is nought, is silence implying sound;What was good, shall be good, with, for evil, so much good more;On the earth the broken arcs; in the heaven, a perfect round.
Robert Browning.
We thank Thee, O God, that each morning brings us fresh assurance of Thy wisdom and goodness—that the days have taught us to believe in Thee and to trust Thee as our perfect Friend. We are glad that we can face the day in the faith that Thou art sufficient to the needs of the day—to all the needs of all Thy children. In this trust, we beseech Thee, make us more and more to rejoice in life and its high privileges. Help us to go on our way with gladness and peace in our hearts—to worship Thee hourly by honest work, by faithful service, by kind words, by helpful deeds, and so, to find life good by doing something to make it good. Amen.
Flint M. Bissell.
March 18
"If I were you," she said, "I should not worry. Just make up your mind to do better when you get another chance. One can't do more than that. That is what I shall think of: that God will give each of us another chance, and that each one of us will take it and do better—I and you and everyone. So there is no need to fret over failure, when one hopes one may be allowed to redeem that failure later on. Besides which life is very hard. Why, we ourselves recognize that. If there be a God, some intelligence greater than human intelligence, He will understand better than ourselves that life is very hard and difficult, and He will be astonished not because we are not better, but because we are not worse. At least, that would be my notion of a God. I should not worry if I were you. Just make up your mind to do better if you get the chance and be content with that."
"If I were you," she said, "I should not worry. Just make up your mind to do better when you get another chance. One can't do more than that. That is what I shall think of: that God will give each of us another chance, and that each one of us will take it and do better—I and you and everyone. So there is no need to fret over failure, when one hopes one may be allowed to redeem that failure later on. Besides which life is very hard. Why, we ourselves recognize that. If there be a God, some intelligence greater than human intelligence, He will understand better than ourselves that life is very hard and difficult, and He will be astonished not because we are not better, but because we are not worse. At least, that would be my notion of a God. I should not worry if I were you. Just make up your mind to do better if you get the chance and be content with that."
Beatrice Harraden.
O Lord, how often we have failed—how weak and frail we are—we have groped and stumbled along the pathway of life and have been defeated over and over again. Yet in the light of Thy providence and Thy love in spite of all defeats, we take heart and face the day with hope. In Thine economy no failure is ever final—we rejoice that Thou openest before us another opportunity. Let us be brave and earnest to seize the opportunities of these passing hours. Amen.
George L. Perin.
March 19
To every life there comes a time supreme:One day, one night, one morning, or one noon,One freighted hour—one moment opportune,One rift through which sublime fulfilments gleam;One time when fate goes tiding with the stream,One Once in balance 'twixt Too Late, Too Soon—And ready for the passing instant's boonThat shall in favor tip the wavering beam.Ah! happy he who, knowing how to wait,Knows also how to watch and how to standOn life's broad deck alert, and at the prow,To seize the happy moment big with fateFrom Opportunity's extended handWhen the great clock of Destiny strikes Now!Mary Ashley Townsend.
To every life there comes a time supreme:One day, one night, one morning, or one noon,One freighted hour—one moment opportune,One rift through which sublime fulfilments gleam;One time when fate goes tiding with the stream,One Once in balance 'twixt Too Late, Too Soon—And ready for the passing instant's boonThat shall in favor tip the wavering beam.Ah! happy he who, knowing how to wait,Knows also how to watch and how to standOn life's broad deck alert, and at the prow,To seize the happy moment big with fateFrom Opportunity's extended handWhen the great clock of Destiny strikes Now!
Mary Ashley Townsend.
Our heavenly Father! Thou art the Author of all our days, and all our times and seasons are hid in the unfolding mystery of Thy Thought and Purpose. It is not given to us to know what a day or an hour may bring forth, but the opportune moments come, ways are opened before us to larger life and usefulness and privilege and duty. May we, by faithfulness, and watchfulness, and the readiness of those on duty, be prepared for each divinely offered opportunity. Surrounded by blessings, may we live to bless. Ministered unto, may we minister. Grateful to Thee, may we show our gratitude by service. In Thy name, Amen.
Dwight M. Hodge.
March 20
Put out of your thought the past whatever it may be; let go even the future with its golden dream and its high ideal; and concentrate your soul in this burning, present moment. For the man who is true to the present is true to his best; and the soul that wins the ground immediately before it, makes life a triumph.
Put out of your thought the past whatever it may be; let go even the future with its golden dream and its high ideal; and concentrate your soul in this burning, present moment. For the man who is true to the present is true to his best; and the soul that wins the ground immediately before it, makes life a triumph.
Ozora Stearns Davis.
Almighty Giver of every good, we come to Thee amid the joys of a new morning, with its new blessings and opportunities. We would dedicate this day to Thy service. We would forget the past and waste not our time in idle dreaming of to-morrow, but with consecrated zeal we would apply ourselves to the tasks Thou hast appointed us for this present hour. Thy hand is ever opened to let down the tokens of Thy love. May all that is best within us rise up in answer, and may we be dedicated anew to our upbuilding in righteousness and the fulfilment of our duties to one another. May we this day follow the footsteps of the Christ and prove ourselves His faithful disciples! Amen.
R. Perry Bush.
March 21
I believe that today is better than yesterday, and that tomorrow will be better than today.
I believe that today is better than yesterday, and that tomorrow will be better than today.
George F. Hoar.
Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts, bright fancies, faithful sayings; treasure-houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb nor poverty take away from you,—houses built without hands for your souls to live in.
Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts, bright fancies, faithful sayings; treasure-houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb nor poverty take away from you,—houses built without hands for your souls to live in.
John Ruskin.
Dear Father in heaven, around Thy name cluster the most sacred and holy affections. Thy name, indeed, is above every name infinite in love, and awakening in each heart a sense of filial gratitude. At this morning hour, therefore, we are mindful of the tie that binds us to Thee, that provides a nesting-place for pleasant and restful thoughts, that makes duty less irksome, home-love more tender, sacrifice more willing, and character more noble. In this spirit we pray Thee, O Father, send us forth to the labor which awaits us, only to realize, under Thy Providence, that this is the best day of our life, and full of assurance and rejoicing for a still better tomorrow. In the light of faith, hope and love do we ask and offer all. Amen.
Wilburn D. Potter.
March 22
Scarce tangible may be the first glad sign,Yet how it shakes us with a vernal thrill!The voice of the south wind behind the hill;Or an elusive bird-note faint and fine;A flush at dawn along the wan sky-line;A lyrical exuberance in the rill;A something working its mysterious willBoth in majestic hole and tenuous vine!It is the vernal spirit. In the earthIt throbs and pulses; quickens in the air;And permeates all nature thro' and thro'.In the expectant poignancy of birthWhat raptures, what rare ecstasies we share—Old,—ah, how old!—and yet forever new!Clinton Scollard.
Scarce tangible may be the first glad sign,Yet how it shakes us with a vernal thrill!The voice of the south wind behind the hill;Or an elusive bird-note faint and fine;A flush at dawn along the wan sky-line;A lyrical exuberance in the rill;A something working its mysterious willBoth in majestic hole and tenuous vine!It is the vernal spirit. In the earthIt throbs and pulses; quickens in the air;And permeates all nature thro' and thro'.In the expectant poignancy of birthWhat raptures, what rare ecstasies we share—Old,—ah, how old!—and yet forever new!
Clinton Scollard.
O God, how good Thou art! All Thy works praise Thee. The world is filled with Thy glory. This dawning Springtime brings Thee very near every responsive heart. Thou art the fountain of life. We see Thee in bursting bud and incipient bloom. We hear Thee in the rapture of birds and in the new-found gladness of sun-kissed rivulets. May we, the children of Thy love, be new born into a deeper spirituality,—a richer life! May the beauty of the Spirit breathing through our hearts call forth the latent goodness that slumbers there! Speak through us the music of Thy love. Perfume us with the odors of Thy heavenly grace, and may we walk this day in tune with Thee! Amen.
Joseph Cooper.
March 23
Work is the grand cure of all the maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind—honest work, which you intend getting done.
Work is the grand cure of all the maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind—honest work, which you intend getting done.
Thomas Carlyle.
Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance, self-control, diligence, strength of will, content and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.
Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance, self-control, diligence, strength of will, content and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.
Charles Kingsley.
Kind Father and Friend, Thy presence has watched over us all our days and has been a comfort in all our labors. We thank Thee for Thy unwearied watching over us. May we at the dawn of this new day, come to our tasks with thanks in our hearts and a song on our lips. May all life's stern duties and its perplexities get grace and beauty from our hallowed thoughts and sanctified resolves. We would ask that Thy free spirit be with us this day to give us hope and joy in our several tasks. May the sweet peace of mind of those who learn to labor and to wait crown all our efforts. Dear Father, forgive our failures and keep us ever Thine. Amen.
Charles E. Petty.
March 24
Ah, the mis-takings and the mis-leavings; and all the ignorant beginning, when we can only lay up things for late wisdom to repent of!Nothing really bad can ever happen.... I've meant right,—and I mean right now. I'll do the best I can, and the Lord will take care of everybody.
Ah, the mis-takings and the mis-leavings; and all the ignorant beginning, when we can only lay up things for late wisdom to repent of!
Nothing really bad can ever happen.... I've meant right,—and I mean right now. I'll do the best I can, and the Lord will take care of everybody.
Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney.
Lord, Thou comest to us with light and life, forgive us for coming to Thee as aliens and beggars; daily Thou art our refuge and strength, and this should subtract our fear and multiply our confidence, comfort and consecration. Our needs are Thy opportunity; we have more sunshine than we can use, more love than we can repay and more revelation than we can translate. O may this satisfy us early and strengthen us through all our days. Alone we are very weak, but we are never alone; all of life is a company affair, for Thou art with us; help us to be as truly Thy children as Thou art our Father and Mother. Through our thinking, working and waiting may men see Thee and glorify Thee. O teach us to abide ever in Thy love, and help us to work some helpful miracle by the gates of need, and to see the rainbow of prophecy through earth's tears and over its years. Amen.
Alan R. Tillinghast.
March 25
'Tis the fine souls who serve us, and not what is called fine society.
'Tis the fine souls who serve us, and not what is called fine society.
Ralph Waldo Emerson.
We find what we look for in the world. I have always been looking for the nobler qualities in human beings, and I have always found them. There are great souls all along the highway of life, and there are great qualities even in the people who seem common and weak to us ordinarily.
We find what we look for in the world. I have always been looking for the nobler qualities in human beings, and I have always found them. There are great souls all along the highway of life, and there are great qualities even in the people who seem common and weak to us ordinarily.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
Gracious Father, we thank Thee for the power Thou hast given us to labor for our own and others' advancement and happiness. As we begin this new day we trust in Thy bounty and would draw on Thy strength to sustain us in our toil. We thank Thee for the brave souls in every walk of life who have set us an example worthy to be followed. Many have been or are notable in the world for their fortitude, honor and achievements; many others have been known to us but have been unheralded by men, and from all these we have ourselves been made more capable and faithful. By Thy grace may we be aided in emulating the good we see in others, and be able to make the world a little brighter because of Thy gift to us of this day. Amen.
Frank S. Rice.
March 26
An old, worn Harp that had been playedTill all its strings were loose and frayed,Joy, Hate, and Fear, each one, assayedTo play. But each in turn had foundNo sweet responsiveness of sound.Then Love the Master-player cameWith heaving breast and eyes aflame;The Harp he took all undismayed,Smote on its strings, still strange to song,And brought forth music sweet and strong.Paul Laurence Dunbar.
An old, worn Harp that had been playedTill all its strings were loose and frayed,Joy, Hate, and Fear, each one, assayedTo play. But each in turn had foundNo sweet responsiveness of sound.Then Love the Master-player cameWith heaving breast and eyes aflame;The Harp he took all undismayed,Smote on its strings, still strange to song,And brought forth music sweet and strong.
Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Heavenly Father, I pray Thee that Thou wilt help me to love to-day. Thou art Love and if Thou shalt fill my life there will be no room for hate and no room for fear, for "Perfect Love casteth out fear." As the Master stilled the waves in Galilee, so speak Thou peace to my soul, and bid all discord cease, that my whole life may be in tune with heaven, and may be one happy song. Love alone can bring harmony out of discord, love out of hate, trust out of fear, and music out of a worn-out, or a long unused or misused life. So let Love control the whole of my life for Jesus' sake. Amen.
B. L. Jennings.
March 27
No stream from its sourceFlows seaward, how lonely soever its course,But some land is gladdened. No star ever roseOr set without influence somewhere. Who knowsWhat earth needs from earth's lowliest creature? No lifeCan be pure in its purpose and strong in its strife,And all life not be purer and stronger thereby.Owen Meredith.
No stream from its sourceFlows seaward, how lonely soever its course,But some land is gladdened. No star ever roseOr set without influence somewhere. Who knowsWhat earth needs from earth's lowliest creature? No lifeCan be pure in its purpose and strong in its strife,And all life not be purer and stronger thereby.
Owen Meredith.
If I am this day to touch other lives helpfully so that they may be gladdened and strengthened for truer and nobler living, I shall need, my Father, not only a clear perception of myself in relation to that to which Thou dost call me, but also a clear vision of the Christ who would be felt through me, not only the impulse of a strong purpose but also the endowment of power by Thy spirit of power. That this may be, do Thou test my purpose by that of Thy son and fashion my life by His teaching, keeping my heart open always toward Thee. Amen.
F. H. Wheeler.
March 28
I but open my eyes,—and perfection, no more and no less,In the kind I imagined, full-fronts me, and God is seen God,In the star, in the stone, in the flesh, in the soul and the clod.And thus looking within and around me, I ever renew(With that stoop of the soul which in bending upraises it too)The submission of man's nothing-perfect to God's all-complete,And by each new obeisance in spirit, I climb to His feet.Robert Browning.
I but open my eyes,—and perfection, no more and no less,In the kind I imagined, full-fronts me, and God is seen God,In the star, in the stone, in the flesh, in the soul and the clod.And thus looking within and around me, I ever renew(With that stoop of the soul which in bending upraises it too)The submission of man's nothing-perfect to God's all-complete,And by each new obeisance in spirit, I climb to His feet.
Robert Browning.
Thou Infinite Spirit, we cannot understand Thee, yet we feel Thy presence within us and about us. We cannot unravel the mystery of Thy life, not even of our own lives, yet we feel ourselves linked as by chains of steel to Thyself. We are poor and ignorant and little and finite; Thou art great and strong and infinite, yet we cling to the thought that we are Thy children. Even in Thine infinity Thou stoopest to listen to us. Thou carest for us, lovest us. O Thou Father of our Souls, may we cling to Thee to-day and every day. We do not ask Thee to explain Thyself, but we do ask that in storm and sunshine, in adversity and in prosperity, and in every emergency we may keep our anchorage to Thee unbroken, and feel Thy presence with us. Amen.
George L. Perin.
March 29
I wonder why it is that we are not all kinder to each other than we are. How much the world needs it! How easily it is done!
I wonder why it is that we are not all kinder to each other than we are. How much the world needs it! How easily it is done!
Henry Drummond.
Let us awaken to the divine privilege of sharing the heartaches of our friends; of the meaning of good fellowship; of that independence of spirit that does not imitate; of courage and pride that can endure adversity with dignity, and without fear.
Let us awaken to the divine privilege of sharing the heartaches of our friends; of the meaning of good fellowship; of that independence of spirit that does not imitate; of courage and pride that can endure adversity with dignity, and without fear.
Anonymous.
Our Heavenly Father, help us through this new day to allow the impulses of our hearts to have fullest play. Help us to help each other, Lord, and of whatever grace or influence we have to bless and uplift our fellowmen to give generously and gladly. Help us scatter sunshine along our pathway, to speak the cheering word to discouraged hearts and to lend the helping hand to feeble or halting ones along the way. May we find our greatest happiness following in the footsteps of our Master, humbly serving our neighbor's needs, and doing good even at every wayside opportunity. Amen.
James F. Albion.
March 30
Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side;Some great cause, God's new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight,Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right,And the choice goes by forever 'twixt that darkness and that light.James Russell Lowell.
Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side;Some great cause, God's new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight,Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right,And the choice goes by forever 'twixt that darkness and that light.
James Russell Lowell.
Almighty Father, we are before Thee, asking for strength this day, that for today's duty we may have the help of Thy Infinite wisdom, as we know we have Thy love, Our Father with His Children. Father, help us to look to Thee for strength and wisdom in every moment of doubt. We are not afraid, because we can come to Thee for counsel, and companionship. We can come to Thee for everything, and we find everything if we seek for it with all our heart and soul and strength. So today, Father, be with us to show each one of us here, the youngest or the oldest, the weakest or the strongest, what is the duty next his hand today, that we may enter into that work and go about our Father's business. Go with us and be with us as with Thine own children. Amen.
Edward Everett Hale.
March 31
I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my duty and joy to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.
I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my duty and joy to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.
Helen Keller.
It is a fine notion of life to liken it to the loom. God puts on the warp in those circumstances in which we find ourselves, and which we cannot change. The woof is wrought by the shuttle of everyday life. It is made of very homely threads sometimes, common duties, unpromising and unwelcome tasks. But whoever tries to do each day's work in the spirit of patient loyalty to God is weaving the texture whose other side is fairer than the one he sees.
It is a fine notion of life to liken it to the loom. God puts on the warp in those circumstances in which we find ourselves, and which we cannot change. The woof is wrought by the shuttle of everyday life. It is made of very homely threads sometimes, common duties, unpromising and unwelcome tasks. But whoever tries to do each day's work in the spirit of patient loyalty to God is weaving the texture whose other side is fairer than the one he sees.
Anonymous.
Our Father in heaven, grant that we may be "faithful in that which is least," leaving to Thy will whether we have the opportunity of being "faithful in much." May we understand that the value of our service is not so much in what we do as the spirit in which we do it. Help us to remember that no service is common in Thy sight, if it is done for Thy glory and the betterment of humanity; that in blessing others, we ourselves are blessed; that life is mostly made up of little things, but a character which is perfected by Thy grace and humble service is not a little thing, but a jewel to shine in Thy crown forever. Amen.
E. T. Curnick.
April 1
April is here!There's a song in the maple, thrilling and new;There's a flash of wings of heaven's own hue;There's a veil of green on the nearer hills;There's a burst of rapture in woodland rills;There are stars in the meadow dropped here and there;There's a breath of arbutus in the air;There's a dash of rain, as if flung in jest;There's an arch of color spanning the west;April is here!Eben E. Rexford.
April is here!There's a song in the maple, thrilling and new;There's a flash of wings of heaven's own hue;There's a veil of green on the nearer hills;There's a burst of rapture in woodland rills;There are stars in the meadow dropped here and there;There's a breath of arbutus in the air;There's a dash of rain, as if flung in jest;There's an arch of color spanning the west;April is here!
Eben E. Rexford.
O God, ever-living and ever-acting, all Thy works praise Thee, and Thy saints bless Thee! We rejoice that Thou art bringing in this new springtime, and art preparing to pour out Thy summer glory and bounty in garden and field and wood, that Thy children may be richly blessed. As Thou art working mightily in nature today so wilt Thou work in us, Thy children, that the blessed fruits of the Spirit may appear in all that we think and do and are? And may the spontaneous spring song of the woods find its counterpart in the perpetual gladness of our souls sunk deep in the love of Christ! Amen.
Henry Irving Cushman.
April 2
The sweetest sound our whole year round'Tis the first robin of the spring!The song of the full orchard choir,Is not so fine a thing.Edmund Clarence Stedman.The grass comes, the flower laughs where lately lay the snow,O'er the breezy hill top hoarsely calls the crow,By the flowing river the alder catkins swingAnd the sweet song sparrow cries, "Spring, it is Spring!"xCelia Thaxter.
The sweetest sound our whole year round'Tis the first robin of the spring!The song of the full orchard choir,Is not so fine a thing.
Edmund Clarence Stedman.
The grass comes, the flower laughs where lately lay the snow,O'er the breezy hill top hoarsely calls the crow,By the flowing river the alder catkins swingAnd the sweet song sparrow cries, "Spring, it is Spring!"x
Celia Thaxter.
Accept from a heart of gratitude, O God, thanksgiving and praises for the glad anticipation of the coming days of spring. May the awakening of nature, this living garment in which Thou hast robed Thy mysterious loveliness, be to each of Thy children symbol of the new life which comes to those who put their trust in the risen Christ and of the higher life beyond where shadows are no more and light and gladness bless an eternity of joy. O, Thou Father of lights, make every hour of this opening day rich and radiant with Thy effulgent presence through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Kerr Boyce Tupper.
April 3
Within my earthly temple there's a crowd;There's one of us that's humble, one that's proud,There's one that's broken-hearted for his sins,There's one that unrepentant sits and grins;There's one that loves his neighbor as himself,And one that cares for naught but fame and pelf.From much corroding care I should be freeIf I could once determine which is me.Theodore Martin.
Within my earthly temple there's a crowd;There's one of us that's humble, one that's proud,There's one that's broken-hearted for his sins,There's one that unrepentant sits and grins;There's one that loves his neighbor as himself,And one that cares for naught but fame and pelf.From much corroding care I should be freeIf I could once determine which is me.
Theodore Martin.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for our multiform life. Thou hast made us a little lower than the angels and hast crowned us with glory and honor, yet how little we know ourselves! We go astray; we fall from our high estate; like the moth we flutter around the blaze that burns us. When we would do good, evil is present with us. Yet through all complexity of thought and feeling, of passion and appetite, through all our wanderings and all our sins we thank Thee that there shines clearly the light of our own Divinity. We are Thy children. Help us, we pray Thee, to know ourselves at our best. May we not be betrayed in this day's journey by any siren voice. Let us go forth to the tasks of the day with the consciousness that until the evening shadows fall Thou wilt be with us. Amen.
George L. Perin.
April 4
If we but knew the secret of that powerThat opes the bud in early days of spring,If we but knew what makes the robin singHis wondrous song just at the matin hour,If we but knew the priceless boon and dowerOf human life when man is truly king.If we but understood the little thingThat vexes us just at the present hour,If we but knew—ah, well, 'tis vain to sighAnd 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! thenWe face to face with truth some day must meet.Clarence Hawkes.
If we but knew the secret of that powerThat opes the bud in early days of spring,If we but knew what makes the robin singHis wondrous song just at the matin hour,If we but knew the priceless boon and dowerOf human life when man is truly king.If we but understood the little thingThat vexes us just at the present hour,If we but knew—ah, well, 'tis vain to sighAnd 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! thenWe 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 useOur garden tools, though they spoil tool and plantIn learning. So the Master may not scornOur awkwardness, as with these bungling handsWe try to unroot the ill, and plant with goodLife's barren soil: the child is learning use.Perhaps the angels even are forbidTo laugh at us, or may not care to laugh,With kind eyes pitying our little hurts.Edward Rowland Sill.
Yet we must give the children leave to useOur garden tools, though they spoil tool and plantIn learning. So the Master may not scornOur awkwardness, as with these bungling handsWe try to unroot the ill, and plant with goodLife's barren soil: the child is learning use.Perhaps the angels even are forbidTo 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.
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.
Gracious Father, help us gratefully to begin this day with Thee. We expect the day to bring its accustomed routine of cares and duties, and its round of petty irritations, but we confidently believe that Thou wilt help us in all our experiences. Let this morning's freshness, hope and vigor be ours through the whole day. Help us to put faith in the place of fear that all our efforts may be crowned with the success of helpfulness. May we go blithely about our business with kind words and cheerful faces that our day's work may be our day's worship. Amen.
Augustus B. Church.
April 7