May the great truths we here have heard-
The lesson of Thy holy word—
Dwell in the inmost bosom's deep,
And all our souls from error keep.

O may the influence of this day
Long as our memory with us stay,
And as an angel guardian prove,
To guide us to our home above!

163

GOD OUR GUIDE.

God and Father, Thou hast taught me
I should live to Thee alone;
Year by year Thy hand hath brought me
On through dangers oft unknown.
When I wandered, Thou hast found me,
When I doubted, sent me light;
Still Thine arm has been around me,
All my paths were in Thy sight.

I would trust in Thy protecting,
Wholly rest upon Thine arm,
Follow wholly Thy directing,

Thou mine only guide from harm!
Keep me from mine own undoing,
Help me turn to Thee when tried;
Still my footsteps, Father, viewing,
Keep me ever at Thy side!

164 GOD IS NOT FAR FROM US.

The heaven of heavens cannot contain

The universal Lord;

Yet He in humble hearts will deign
To dwell and be adored.

Where'er ascends the sacrifice
Of fervent praise and prayer,
Or on the earth, or in the skies,
The heaven of God is there.

His presence there is spread abroad

Through realms, through worlds unknown; Who seek the mercies of our God

Are ever near His throne.

165

GIVE THANKS TO GOD.

Great God! my joyful thanks to Thee
Shall, like Thy gifts, continual be;
In constant streams Thy bounty flows,
Nor end nor intermission knows.

Thy kindness all my comforts gives;
My numerous wants Thy hand relieves ;
Nor can I ever, Lord, be poor,

Who live on Thy exhaustless store.

If what I wish Thy will denies,

It is that Thou art good and wise;
Afflictions which may make me mourn
Thou canst, Thou dost, to blessings turn.

Deep, Lord, upon my thankful breast
Let all Thy favors be impressed;

And though withdrawn Thy gifts should be,
In all things I 'll give thanks to Thee.

166

IN THE NIGHT.

I.

Unto the house of peace my spirit yearns,
Unto the source of being my soul turns ;
To where the sacred life of heaven burns,

She struggles thitherward by day and night.

The splendor of the Lord doth blind her eyes; Up without wings she soareth to the skies, Longing in silence, ever seeks to rise

In dusky evening and in darksome night.

To her the wonder of God's works appear;
She longs with fervor Him to draw anear;
The tidings of His glory doth she hear

From morn to even and from night to night.

The heaven of Thy grace did o'er me rest,
Yet was Thy worship banished from my breast.
Almighty! Thou didst seek me out and test
To try, and to instruct me in the right.

In flesh imprisoned is the son of light,
This life is but a bridge when seen aright.
Rise in the silent hour and pray with might;
Awake and call upon thy God by night.

In nothingness drained through my manhood's day; Therefore my streaming tears I may not stay

They are my meat and drink by day and night.

Hasten to cleanse thyself of sin; arise!
Follow truth's path that leads unto the skies
As swift as yesterday existence flies,

Brief, even as a watch within the night.

Youth's charm has like a fleeting shadow gone,
With eagle wings the hours of life have flown;
Alas! the time when pleasure I have known

I may not now recall by day or night.

Observe a pious fear, be whole again,
Hasten to purge thy heart of every stain;
No more from prayer and penitence refrain,

But turn unto Thy God by day and night.

He speaks My child, yea, I will send thee aid; Bend thou thy steps to me; be not afraid!

No nearer friend than I am hast thou made;

Patiently wait the day, to which there is no night.

168 THE SOVEREIGN POWER.

(Psalm cxlv.)

I will extol Thee, O my King!
Thy holiness proclaim;

And earth with every voice shall sing
The glories of Thy name.

Thy tender mercies brightly shine;
Immortal is Thy pow'r;

Thy love, a beaming ray divine,
That lights each passing hour.

The mem'ry of Thy goodness still
Shall grateful hearts pervade;
Thy majesty and glory will
Forever be displayed.

The eyes of all shall wait on Thee,

For perfect are Thy ways;

And pious hearts united be,

O Maker! in Thy praise.