with a serene and happy spirit, and prayed triumphantly:

"Thou God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom I have received the knowledge of Thee! O God of the angels and powers, and of every living creature, and of all sorts of just men which live in Thy presence, I thank Thee that Thou hast graciously vouchsafed this day and this hour to allot me a portion among the number of martyrs, among the people of Christ, unto the resurrection of everlasting life; among whom I shall be received in Thy sight, this day, as a fruitful and acceptable sacrifice, wherefore, for all this, I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee through the everlasting High Priest, Jesus Christ, Thy well-beloved Son; to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory, world without end. Amen."

THE OLDEST PRAYER IN METRE FOR CHIL

DREN.

In Book III., of Clement of Alexandria, is given the most ancient hymn of the primitive church. It is a prayer for children.

Clemens or Clement, of Alexandria, was born about the middle of the second century. He was appointed presbyter of the church of Alexandria about 190 A. D., and died about 217 A. D.

A recent writer says of this hymn: "Though all the images here are quaintly interwoven, like a stained window, of which the eye loses the design in the contemplation of colors, we may surely trace, in quaint, old letters on a scroll, winding through all the mosaic of tints CHRIST ALL IN ALL."

The prayer appears about 150 years after the apostles, but may be of even earlier origin.

Healer of strife!

Thou didst Thyself abase! That from sin's deep disgrace Thou mightest save our race And give us life.

"Thou art wisdom's High Priest! Thou hast prepared the feast

Of holy love;

And in our mortal pain

None calls on Thee in vain;

Help Thou dost not disdain Help from above.

"Ever be Thou our guide,

Our Shepherd and our pride,
Our staff and song.

Jesus, Thou Christ of God!
By the perennial word

Lead us where Thou hast trod;
Make our faith strong.

"So now, and till we die,

Sound we Thy praise on high,

And joyful sing.

Infants, and the glad throng,
Who to Thy church belong,
Unite and swell the song
To Christ our King."

PRAYER OF CHRYSOSTOM.

Chrysostom, the silver-tongued, a pre-eminent Greek father in the church, was born at Antioch in Syria, about 350 A. D. His father was a commander of the Imperial army. He studied eloquence under a famous orator, and philosophy at Athens.

At an early age he became a Christian, and was influenced by the ascetic ideas that prevailed in the church at the time. He is said to have spent two years in an unwholesome cavern, committing the Bible to memory.

In 397 A. D. he was chosen Archbishop of

Constantinople. Here he was for a period popular for his wonderful eloquence, but at last fell under the displeasure of the Court, and was banished. He died in 407 A. D.

"Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common