23 I find Thee in the heaven blue That round the earth-Thy witness true- The earth itself, my dwelling-place, And thou, my soul, praise joyously THE THOUGHT OF GOD. (Psalm lxxiv: 25.) One thought I have, my ample creed, So deep it is and broad, And equal to my every need It is the thought of God. Each morn unfolds some fresh surprise; And rising in my inner skies Shines forth the thought of God. At night my gladness is my prayer ; And every care is pillowed there Upon the thought of God. I ask not far before to see, To this their secret strength they owed Be still the light upon my way, My rest by night, my strength by day, 24 GOD IN NATURE. The spacious firmament on high, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creator's power display, And publishes to every land Soon as the evening shades prevail, 25 Repeats the story of her birth; While all the stars that 'round her burn, And spread the truth from pole to pole. What though in solemn silence all 66 The hand that made us is divine." FOR DIRECTION. Lord of might and Lord of glory, Listen to my cry, O Lord! Passions proud and fierce have ruled me, Take me for Thy child, O Lord! 26 Groping dim and bending lowly, Open Thou mine eyes, O Lord! In the deed that no man knoweth, Let my heart serve Thee, O Lord. In the work that no gold payeth, There, Lord, Let me work Thy will, O Lord! GOD OUR FATHER. Is there a lone and dreary hour, When worldly pleasures lose their power? Is there a time of racking grief Is there an hour of peace and joy, The noontide blaze, the midnight scene, 27 BE STILL TO GOD. Oh, let my trembling soul be still Though wrapt in fears and mystery! So, trusting in Thy love, I tread What though some cherished joys are fled; What though some flattering dreams are gone; Yet purer, nobler joys remain, And peace is won through conquered pain. |