May our trials, whether small or great, be borne with Christian meekness, and work out for us some spiritual good. May all our duties be performed in the spirit of him whose meat it was to do thy will; and in memory of his word, that he who is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much. May it quicken our good purposes, and encourage us in every right endeavor, to remember that thou lookest upon the heart; and may the thought that thou seest us check every wrong motive and evil impulse. Give us calmness and self-control under every disappointment and provocation. Enable us to meet with gentleness and forbearance any opposition to our wishes, and to strive with patience against our own infirmities and faults, not doubting that success shall ultimately attend our efforts, if we faint not.

Almighty God, may we seek not our own only, but each the other's welfare and enjoyment. May we be ready to deny ourselves every indulgence that would be a disobedience of thy laws. Give us right feelings towards one another, and towards all men. May we come to the close of this day able to look back upon time well spent, opportunities faithfully improved, and progress made in the paths of Christian faith and virtue. And when we shall have fulfilled thy purposes concerning us on earth, may we be received, of thy infinite mercy, to reünion with one another, and to the happiness of the pure and good, in the everlasting mansions revealed to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

XXVI.

Relying on God.

Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.

I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace to his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Verily, the Lord will give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

ALMIGHTY GOD, the Source of life, the Giver of all good, help us to draw near to thee, and to hold communion with thee. Waked from the insensibility of sleep, with renewed powers we are about to renew our daily course of duty. But we know, O God, that without thee we can do nothing; that all our sufficiency is of thee, in whom we live and move and have our being. Before we go forth to our work, we would hear what God the Lord will speak; and pray that he would speak peace to our hearts, that our strength may be renewed, and that, replenished by thy grace, we may run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.

We bless thee for thy protection through the watches of the night. We bless thee that for us the outgoings of the morning rejoice. Truly the light is sweet; and we bless thee and praise thy goodness unto us, that, while to others the sun is set to rise no more, thou hast preserved our lives, and art multiplying our days on the earth. Thy mercies, O God, are new unto us every morning. We welcome the new day, with its fresh duties and responsibilities, and we await its disclosures in trust and hope. May we meet all changes relying on thee, and keep consciences void of offence toward God and men.

Sustaining to one another the nearest and holiest relations, may our hearts be united in love, and may we be helpers of each others' joy. May this be a household of faith, a Christian home; and may the blessing of Heaven be upon all who dwell within these walls, and upon the absent to whom we are nearly allied. Vouchsafe thy protection and favor to all whom we love; and grant that, however widely we may be separated from one another on earth, our mutual love may remain unchanged, and that in heaven we may meet face to face, to part no more.

Guide us, O Father, by thy counsel: support us by thy care, and from thy inexhaustible stores may all our wants be supplied. May we be contented with that portion of goods that falleth to our share; and when what thou givest is taken away, may our hope and our trust be still in thee. Conduct us,

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good shepherd, in such a way as thou choosest, and set us in the way of thy steps; and whether it lead to the green pastures, beside the still waters, or to the valley of the shadow of death, be with us in every change, and may thy presence strengthen and gladden our hearts. Show us thy mercy, O God, and finally grant us thy salvation.

Give thy blessing, Holy Father, to our land and to the world. Send forth thy light and thy truth. May truth spring out of the earth, and righteousness look down from heaven, and thy salvation be nigh unto all. To thee, the only living and true God, we render thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

XXVII.

Faith and Fortitude.

How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

For with thee is the fountain of life in thy light shall we see light.

O continue thy loving-kindness to them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me on all sides.

O THOU, who hast set the solitary in families, and joined us to each other by the strong bonds of domestic affection and interest, we rejoice to recognize the higher and more sacred ties which bind us to thee and thy service. We regard it as our most precious privilege to come to thee in devout trust and worship, to pour forth our souls to thee, to implore that blessing without which none can be blest. For with thee is the fountain of life, and under the shadow of thy wings the children of men put their trust.

To thy keeping we commit our souls, as to the allfaithful and loving Creator. This day, and all our days, may thy presence go with us, chastening our joys, comforting us in our sorrows, shielding us in hours of peril, protecting from the power of temptation, sanctifying all labors and all events, and imparting a peace which the world cannot give, and cannot take away.

Holy Father, this day may the presence of Jesus, thy chosen messenger and well-beloved Son, go with us, and his parting promise be fulfilled to each of us "Lo! I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." Attended and inspired by his spirit, may we meet firmly all the conflicts and trials of earth, and be not afraid if ten thousands set themselves against us. Into that spirit of faith and fortitude may we be baptized more and more, and go on our way rejoicing, fearing no evil, and feeling no want.

Command thy blessing, O God, to rest upon us of