We ask for peace, O Lord! Thy children ask thy peace; Not what the world calls rest, That toil and care should cease, That through bright sunny hours Calm life should fleet away, And tranquil night should fade In smiling day-- It is not for such peace that we would pray.
2 We ask for peace, O Lord! Yet not to stand secure, Girt round with iron pride, Contented to endure: Crushing the gentle strings, That human hearts should know, Untouched by others' joys Or others' woe; Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so.
3 We ask thy peace, O Lord! Through storm, and fear, and strife, To light and guide us on, Through a long struggling life: While no success or gain Shall cheer the desperate fight, Or nerve, what the world calls, Our wasted might: Yet pressing through the darkness to the light.
4 It is thine own, O Lord! Who toil while others sleep, Who sow with loving care What other hands shall reap: They lean on thee entranced In calm and perfect rest: Give us that peace, O Lord! Divine and blest, Thou keepest for those hearts who love thee best.
424 H. M. He will give the Holy Spirit, etc. Luke 11:13.
O Thou that hearest prayer, Attend our humble cry, And let thy servants share Thy blessings from on high: We plead the promise of thy word; Grant us thy Holy Spirit, Lord.
2 If earthly parents hear Their children when they cry-- If they, with love sincere, Their varied wants supply-- Much more wilt thou thy love display, And answer when thy children pray.
425 C. H. M. The world knoweth us not. 1 John 3:1.
Let others boast their ancient line, In long succession great; In the proud list let heroes shine, And monarchs swell the state, Descended from the King of kings, Each saint a nobler title sings.
2 Pronounce me, gracious God, thy son, Own me an heir divine; I'll pity princes on the throne, When I can call thee mine: Scepters and crowns unenvied rise, And lose their luster in my eyes.
3 Content, obscure, I pass my days, To all I meet unknown, And wait till thou thy child shalt raise, And seat me near thy throne: No name, no honors here I crave, Well pleased with those beyond the grave.
4 Jesus, my elder brother, lives; With him I, too, shall reign; Nor sin, nor death, while he survives, Shall make the promise vain; In him my title stands secure, And shall while endless years endure.