And this eternal sound, Voices and footfalls of the numberless throng, Like the surrounding sea, Or like the rainy tempest, speaks of thee. And when the hour of rest Comes like a calm upon the mid-sea brine, Hushing its billowy breast The quiet of that moment too is thine: It breathes of Him who keeps The vast and helpless city while it sleeps. Now XIV. pray we for our country, XV. O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, For he is gracious, And his mercy endureth for ever! GIVE to our God immortal praise; Give to the Lord of lords renown; When lords and kings are known no more. He built the earth, he spread the sky, He fills the sun with morning light; When sun and moon shall shine no more. XVII. GIVE thanks to God, the heavenly King, Whose mercies still endure; Let the whole earth his praises sing, Whose truth is ever sure. THOU who, upon th' eternal throne, Of worlds unnumber'd round thy brow: Thy wisdom form'd the plan sublime Of what man's future course shall be; The path didst shew which I must climb To reach my final destiny. Till then let power divine protect, And heavenly peace my spirit cheer, My footsteps here below direct, Till I before thy face appear. The present seed I now shall sow To ripen for eternity, O let it to perfection grow, Then take thy pilgrim home to thee. XIX. To God on high be thanks and praise, IN sleep's serene oblivion laid, New-born, I bless the waking hour; O guide me through the various maze My doubtful feet are doom'd to tread; And spread thy shield's protecting blaze Where dangers press around my head. A deeper shade shall soon impend; That deeper shade shall break away; That deeper sleep shall leave my eyes; Thy light shall give eternal day; Thy love, the rapture of the skies. O'ER silent field and lonely lawn Breathes love to man and love to God. XXII. GENTLY fall the dews of eve, Raising still the languid flowers; Sweetly flow the tears that grieve O'er a mourner's stricken hours. Blessed tears and dews that yet Who in mercy all hath given. |