Poems on Serious and Sacred Subjects Part 5

'Tis she with consolation's voice That stills affliction's storm, She bids despairing want rejoice In bounty's radiant form.

But with what semblance is she seen, That more her power endears, Than when with mild instruction's mien Her infant train she rears?

Then she the earth-bound spirit lifts Above the valley's clod, Then gives the richest of her gifts, The knowledge of her G.o.d.

_Hymn for Christmas Day._

Saviour inspire the voice of earth, To hail the day that gave Thee birth; The Heavens resound in blest accord, Hosanna! to the highest! praise the Lord.

Let hymns of gratulation flow From Adam's race redeem'd from woe; For Paradise to man restored, Hosanna! to the highest! praise the Lord.

Wisdom, and power, and peace proclaim The new-born Saviour's blessed name, His glory stars to stars record, Hosanna! to the highest! praise the Lord.

Nature to Him in homage fall; He comes--the Judge, the Lord of all: His welcome sound on every chord, Hosanna! to the highest! praise the Lord.

_Hymn to the Saviour._

Lord, who in mercy's tender tone Invitest every child of dust, To seek protection from thy throne, And in thy guardian grace to trust.

To thy true votary impart Hope, from all doubt, all terror free, Make every movement of my heart A glow of grat.i.tude to Thee!

_Hymn._

Lord whose eyes every heart in existence survey, Who canst regulate all with thy merciful sway, From mine may thy grace, as a guardian, discard Whatever might render it--selfish and hard: O keep it from evil propensities free, Ever mild to mankind, ever grateful to Thee: This heart ever feels, with thy image imprest, The more it is Christian--the more it is blest!

_Hymn._

Make us, O G.o.d! in whom we breathe, and move, Worthy to love Thee, and to win thy love!

Thy word informs us how thy love is won, By grateful trust in thy beloved Son!

Through every season may such trust encrease!

We know it duty, and we feel it peace.

FINIS.