February 15

The beauty of the heavens, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the high places of the Lord. At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.

BE kind to our darkness, O Fashioner, dwelling in light,

And feeding the lamps of the sky;

Look down upon this one, and let it be sweet in Thy sight

I pray Thee, to-night.

O watch whom Thou madest to dwell on its soil, Thou Most High!

For this is a world full of sorrow (there may be but one);

Keep watch o'er its dust, else Thy children for aye are undone,

For this is a world where we die.

JEAN INGELOW

A LIVING FAITH