And when months of vanity and wearisome nights are appointed us; when darkness encompasses the path in which we go, and dejection hangs upon our minds; when we can neither enjoy the blessings of life, nor indulge those lively affections towards Thee, our Maker, which we wish to indulge; even then will we praise Thee by submission and resignation to Thy will. Amidst all the changes of this mortal life, and amidst all the various dispensations of Thy providence; in all things will we give thanks, and praise Thy name. Whilst we live will we praise the Lord, and when we draw near to the gates of death, when these hands which have been lifted up to Thee shall be motionless, and the tongues which have declared Thy praises shall be silent, still will we praise Thee, O our Heavenly Father! in our thoughts; and this shall be the grateful song of our hearts, "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" But the grave shall not put an end to our songs of thanksgiving; we never cease. will sing praises unto our God while we have any being; and blessed be Thy name, O Thou Fountain of Life! our being will When our mortal powers are no longer active, then with more noble powers, and in heavenly strains, will we praise Thee, our God, and this shall be our grateful song;-Thou didst lead us forth by the right way to Thine heavenly kingdom. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be ascribed to Thee, our God, forever and ever! Amen, and amen. HYMNS. I. WHY should dreams so dark and dreary Fill my thought? Is there nought, Nought to soothe the weary? Why should man, then, child of sorrow, Mourn his doom? Present gloom Will be light to-morrow. Even here, all pain is fleeting; Joy and care Join in constant greeting. But where all our hopes are tending, Peace and love Reign above, Bliss and joy unending. II. As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean, Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see, So, deep in my soul, the still prayer of devotion, Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee, My God! silent to Thee Pure, warm, silent to Thee. As still to the star of its worship, though clouded, The needle points faithfully o'er the dim sea, So, dark as I roam, in this wintry world shrouded, The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee, My God! trembling to Thee True, fond, trembling to Thee. III. HE sendeth sun, He sendeth shower, Can loving children e'er reprove With murmurs, whom they trust and love? Creator! I would ever be A trusting, loving child to Thee : As comes to me or cloud or sun, O! ne'er will I at life repine |