Ever raising
Grateful praise,
Loving, serving,
All your days.

PAPA’S REQUEST.

Write very often, children,—
Write papa very soon;
Your letters will be dearer
Than lovliest flowers in June;
For papa will be absent
Throughout the long, long year.
Write to him very often
What he will wish to hear.

That Fred and sister Bessie
Are learning with their might,
And little Nell and Jessie
Are doing what is right.
Dear children, help each other,
At morning, noon, and night,
And then your happy mother
Will find it sweet to write.

Write papa very often,—
Write in the early morn,
Or write him just at twilight,
When all the day is gone;
Draw out the pretty table,
Mamma will bring a light,
And help the older children
To gather round and write.

Write of the loving kindness
Of that dear Friend above,
To whom, in papa’s absence,
He would lead your hearts in love.
Think of Him in the morning,
And think of Him at night,
And of his acts of kindness
Do not forget to write.

Write very often, dear ones,—
Write papa very soon,
Your letters will be dearer
Than loveliest flowers in June.
If, while papa is absent,
You’d fill him with delight,
Think of him very often,
And don’t forget to write.

JANE’S QUESTION.

“Mamma,” said Jane, “what will you do
When you have read your Bible through?
You read so carefully each part,
I think you’ll know it all by heart.”

Her mother smiled and said, “Why, then
I mean to read it through again;
And hope my daughter soon will be
Able to read God’s Book with me.