THE PEACE OF GOD.
Reading edition
We ask for Peace, O Lord! Thy children ask Thy peace; Not what the world calls rest, That toil and care should cease, That through bright sunny hours Calm Life should fleet away, And tranquil night should fade In smiling day;— It is not for such Peace that we would pray. We ask for Peace, O Lord! Yet not to stand secure, Girt round with iron Pride, Contented to endure: Crushing the gentle strings That human hearts should know, Untouched by others' joy Or others' woe;— Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so. We ask Thy Peace, O Lord! Through storm, and fear, and strife, To light and guide us on, Through a long, struggling life: While no success or gain Shall cheer the desperate fight, Or nerve, what the world calls, Our wasted might:— Yet pressing through the darkness to the light. It is Thine own, O Lord, Who toil while others sleep, Who sow with loving care What other hands shall reap; They lean on Thee entranced, In calm and perfect rest: Give us that Peace, O Lord, Divine and blest, Thou keepest for those hearts who love Thee best. —Adelaide Procter.