THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
Reading edition
Our friend, Mrs. Sigourney, has, at our request, kindly sent us the subjoined hymn and remarks: "The Young Men's Christian Association I consider one of the very best designs of this age of philanthropy. I send you a hymn, elicited by the Boston branch of this same Society, a circumstance which will not, I hope, diminish its adaptation to your pages."
We cannot omit to ask mothers and daughters to give this Association their countenance and prayers. We trust it will be the means of accomplishing great good.
HYMN FOR THE "YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION."
God of our children! hear our prayer, When from their homes they part, Those idols of our fondest care, Those jewels of the heart. We miss their smile in hall and bower; We miss their voice of cheer; We speak their names at midnight hour When none but Thou dost hear. God of their spirits! be their stay, When from their parents' side, Their boat is launched to find its way O'er life's tempestuous tide. Tho' toss'd 'mid breakers wild and strong, Its veering helm should stray Where syrens wake the mermaid song, Guide thou their course alway. Oh, God of goodness, bless the band Who, moved by Christian love, Take the young stranger's friendless hand And lead his thoughts above. May their own souls the sunbeam feel, They thus have freely given, And be the plaudit of their zeal The sweet "well-done" of heaven.
L.H.S.