Two little lips,
Red,-red,-

Red as the flamy coral tips,
Sweet as the rose the wild bee sips,
Singing and prattling all day long,

And kissing and coaxing with witchery strong, What shall we ask for these little lips?

From thine altar, Lord, above,
Touch those lips with fire of love;

Pure, pure, let them be,

Speaking holy melodies

Out of a holy heart, that rise,
Warm, bright, up to Thee!

Two little hands,
Busy, busy,—

Busy as bird and busy as bee,
Gathering “funny things" for me ;
Weaving webs, and building a house
Just the size for a wee, wee mouse;

What shall we ask for these little hands?

Lord, with wisdom filled,

Teach these hands to build
Thine own temple ;
Let them skilful be,-
Cunning to work for Thee,
By Thine example.

Two little feet,

Nimble,-nimble,

Trot-foot and light-foot,—oh, what a pair!
Now here, now there, now everywhere;
Running of errands, dancing in glee,
Skipping and jumping merrily,-

What shall we ask for these little feet?

Lead them a blessed pilgrimage

From childhood through to saintly age,
Dear Lord, we pray;

Hold them a light, in the dim, dark night,

And, out of the narrow path of the right,
Ne'er let them stray !

J. K. NUTTING.

December 31.

And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was on Him. —LUKE ii. 40.

HE waxed strong in spirit. Strong! What a word is that for all of you, my dear children! You know, little boys especially know,-how you value and honor those who are strong in body. The strong limb, the fleet foot, the sturdy arm, the active frame,—you do well to value these things; they are God's gifts.

What natural vigor is to the body, strength of character is to the mind. A stout heart, that is what you want,— a stout heart which will be able to resist all the temptations to do evil, which scorns to tell a lie, which will never consent to be betrayed into doing what is wrong; a strong, hardy conscience, which fixes itself on matters of real importance, and will not trifle, will not waste its powers on things of no concern. Therefore, I say, be stronger and stronger every year.

DEAN STANLEY.

TO THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAR.

O year that is going, take with you

Some evil that dwells in my heart;
Let selfishness, doubt,

With the old year go out,—

With joy I would see them depart.

O year that is coming, bring with you
Some virtue of which I have need;
More patience to bear,

And more kindness to share,

And more love that is true love indeed.

O year that is going, take with you
Impatience and wilfulness,-pride;
The sharp word that slips
From these too hasty lips,

I would cast, with the old year, aside.

O year that is coming, bring with you
More charity unto the weak,-
A deep, growing peace,

That never shall cease,

Of these things, I surely have need.

LAURA F. ARMITAGE.