lord, thou sendest down rain upon the uncounted millions of the forest, and givest the trees to drink exceedingly. we are here upon this isle a few handfuls of men, and how many myriads upon myriads of stalwart trees! teach us the lesson of the trees. the sea around us, which this rain recruits, teems with the race of fish; teach us, lord, the meaning of the fishes. let us see ourselves for what we are, one out of the countless number of the clans of thy handiwork. when we would despair, let us remember that these also please and serve thee.