Page:The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur R. Venkata Ratnam, volume 2.djvu/338

 veal the unknown, but to own and to proclaim that the parent has been a true parent, a good parent, a loving parent, a gracious parent—more faithful than a friend, more constant than a companion, more solicitous than a preceptor, more watchful than a care-taker, more intimate than a guide. Thou art not merely the designer and the author, Thou art truly and verily the whole substance, the entire sustenance, the total happiness, of our lives. We, therefore, confidently look forward to the future well-being, the steady growth and the certain happiness, of our darling, in Thy providence and through Thy grace, notwithstanding our shortcomings. And thus we render unto Thee—unto Thy keeping and care—this gift that Thou hast so mercifully vouchsafed unto us. May we never fail of confidence, of sure trust and certain hope, that the future of our darling is ordained to be bright and cheerful through Thy grace! May we ever rest firm in the faith that this dear one will grow thoughtfully, truth fully, and benevolently,