FROM silken cords of earth's delight, From iron chains of care, O set us free when, in thy sight, Dear Lord, we kneel in prayer! Forbid that dreams of ease and cheer, Or transient thoughts of pride, Should make an alien atmosphere, To drift us from thy side. Forgive if moaning discontent In unbelief complains; Forgive if when our hearts are rent We think but of their pains. Still come thyself in darkest hours, And cleave the gloom with rays So bright that all our grateful powers Shall turn from grief to praise. Still consecrate our joyful times With bliss beyond compare, While faith the spirit's strength sublimes, And robes of light we wear. Oh lift us to the better life! These shadows come and go; But where thou art above the strife, The winds of heaven blow. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE SOLITARY REAPER by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 17. THE DIFFICULT ADVENTURE by PHILIP AYRES A STRANGER IN SEYTHOPOLIS by KATHARINE LEE BATES FULLNESS OF THE BIBLE by H. J. BETTS ON THE NIGHT EXPRESS by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE |