Then list the moan Of the billows' foam, Laving with surges thy silv'ry beach! Night's dewy eye, The sea-mew's lone cry, Witness my presence and utter my speech.
Pleasant a grave By the "Rock" or wave, And afar from life's turmoil its goal. No sculptured lie, Or hypocrite sigh, E'er to mock the bright truth of the soul.
Friends, will not ye Think kindly of me, In those moments to memory bestowed? Smile on me yet, O blue eyes and jet, Soft as when parting thy sympathy glowed!
Saw ye my Saviour? Heard ye the glad sound? Felt ye the power of the Word? 'Twas the Truth that made us free, And was found by you and me In the life and the love of our Lord.
Mourner, it calls you,--"Come to my bosom, Love wipes your tears all away, And will lift the shade of gloom, And for you make radiant room Midst the glories of one endless day."
Sinner, it calls you,--"Come to this fountain, Cleanse the foul senses within; 'Tis the Spirit that makes pure, That exalts thee, and will cure All thy sorrow and sickness and sin."
Strongest deliverer, friend of the friendless, Life of all being divine: Thou the Christ, and not the creed; Thou the Truth in thought and deed; Thou the water, the bread, and the wine.
The laying of the corner-stone of The Mother Church.
Laus Deo, it is done! Rolled away from loving heart Is a stone. Lifted higher, we depart, Having one.
_Laus Deo_,--on this rock (Heaven chiseled squarely good) Stands His church,-- God is Love, and understood By His flock.
_Laus Deo_, night star-lit Slumbers not in God's embrace; Be awake; Like this stone, be in thy place: Stand, not sit.
Grave, silent, steadfast stone, Dirge and song and shoutings low In thy heart Dwell serene,--and sorrow? No, It has none, _Laus Deo!_
God of the rolling year! to Thee we raise A nation's holiest hymn in grateful praise! Plenty and peace abound at Thy behest, Yet wherefore this Thy love? Thou knowest best!
Thou who, impartial, blessings spreadst abroad, Thou wisdom, Love, and Truth,--divinely God! Who giveth joy and tears, conflict and rest, Teaching us thus of Thee, who knowest best!
Ruler Supreme! to Thee we'll meekly bow, When we have learned of Truth what Thou doest now-- Why from this festive hour some dear lost guest Bears hence its sunlit glow--Thou knowest best!