225

O

GOD of Bethel, by Whose hand
Thy people still are fed ;

Who through this weary pilgrimage
Hast all our fathers led;

Our vows, our prayers, we now present

Before Thy throne of grace;
God of our fathers, be the God
Of their succeeding race.

Through each perplexing path of life
Our wandering footsteps guide;
Give us each day our daily bread,
And raiment fit provide.

Oh! spread Thy covering wings around,

Till all our wanderings cease,

And at our Father's loved abode

Our souls arrive in peace.

Such blessings from Thy gracious hand

Our humble prayers implore;

And Thou shalt be our chosen God,
And portion evermore.

226

G

UIDE us, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrims through this barren land ; We are weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold us with Thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven,

Feed us now and evermore.

Open Thou the living fountain
Whence the healing waters flow;
Let the fiery cloudy pillar

Lead us all our journey through:
Strong Deliverer,

Be Thou still our strength and shield.

When we tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid our anxious fears subside;

Bear us through the o'erwhelming torrent,
Land us safe on Canaan's side:

Songs of praises

We will ever give to Thee.

227

LOR

ORD, we thank Thee for the pleasure
That our happy lifetime gives,

The inestimable treasure

Of a soul that ever lives;
Mind that looks before and after,
Yearning for its home above,
Human tears, and human laughter,
And the depth of human love:

For the thrill, the leap, the gladness
Of our pulses flowing free;
E'en for every touch of sadness
That may bring us nearer Thee :
But, above all other kindness,
Thine unutterable love,

Which, to heal our sin and blindness,
Sent Thy dear Son from above.

Teach us so our days to number
That we may be early wise;
Dreamy mist, or cloud of slumber
Never dull our heavenward eyes:
Hearty be our work, and willing,
As to Thee, and not to men ;
For we know our soul's fulfilling
Is in heaven, not till then.

228

FATHER, hear the prayer we offer;
Not for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be;
But the steep and rugged pathway
May we tread rejoicingly.

Not for ever by still waters
Would we idly rest and stay;
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
In our wanderings be our guide;
Through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be Thou at our side.

229

THOU in all Thy might so far,
In all Thy love so near,

Beyond the range of sun and star,
And yet beside us here:

What heart can comprehend Thy Name,
Or searching find Thee out,
Who art within, a quickening flame,
A presence round about?

Yet though I know Thee but in part,
I ask not, Lord, for more;
Enough for me to know Thou art,
To love Thee, and adore.

And dearer than all things I know
Is childlike faith to me,

That makes the darkest way I go
An open path to Thee.