O DAY to sweet religious thought So wisely set apart, Back to the silent strength of life Help thou my wavering heart. Nor let the obtrusive lies of sense My meditations draw From the composed, majestic realm Of everlasting law. Break down whatever hindering shapes I see, or seem to see, And make my soul acquainted with Celestial company. Beyond the wintry waste of death Shine fields of heavenly light; Let not this incident of time Absorb me from their sight. I know these outward forms wherein So much my hopes I stay, Are but the shadowy hints of that Which cannot pass away. That just outside the work-day path By man's volition trod, Lie the resistless issues of The things ordained of God. |