To your judgments give ye not the reins With too much eagerness, like him who ere The corn be ripe, is fain to count the grains: For I have seen the briar through the winter snows Look sharp and stiff--yet on a future day High on its summit bear the tender rose: And ship I've seen, that through the storm hath passed, Securely bounding o'er the watery way, At entrance of the harbor wrecked at last.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make them free, While God is marching on.
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding.
Lord God, help me to know my ability, that I may not attempt with weakness that which requires strength to undertake; and make me stable that I may not relax vigilance even though victory seems assured. Amen.
The bird let loose in eastern skies, When hastening fondly home, Ne'er stoops to earth her wing, nor flies Where idle warblers roam; But high she shoots through air and light, Above all low delay, Where nothing earthly bounds her flight, Nor shadow dims her way.
Remember, the essence of religion is, a heart void of offense toward God and man; not subtle speculative opinions, but an active principle of faith.
And hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts.
God of mercy, reveal to me the hallowed life. May I be reminded that, while I may save and keep the dust from things that perish, my life, though unkept and undeveloped, tells in itself the value and need of the most watchful care. Amen.
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
Though hearts brood o'er the past, our eyes With smiling features glisten; For lo! our day bursts up the skies, Lean out your souls and listen! The world is following freedom's way, And ripening with her sorrow; Take heart! Who bears the cross to-day Shall wear the crown to-morrow.
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
Lord God, may I never feel that I have a right to sell thy joys, nor the privilege of giving away my burdens. Grant that I may not forsake my principles, but may I keep the way clear that memory may find an unruffled rest. Amen.