THANKSGIVING by Theodore Bayling

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 30, 1882

THANKSGIVING.

By Theodore Bayling

I THANK Thee for the present, with its light; For daily labor, and for answered prayers; For all sweet thoughts, and fancies softly bright, That soothe mine earthly cares.

I thank Thee for the past with all its loss, Its gentle discipline and needful pain; And for the love that lightened every cross, And loosened every chain.

I thank Thee for the future, with its store Of hope and promise for the coming years; And for the glory shining evermore Through the dim mist of tears.

I Thank Thee for the grace that kept my feet To the old paths wherein my fathers trod; I bless Thee for the loved ones I shall meet Before the throne of God.

I thank Thee for the hours of holy calm, The dear familiar words of prayer and praise; The comfort thou hast breathed in hymn and psalm, On peaceful, holy days.

I thank Thee for the viewless angel bands, Who scatter blossoms on the rugged way, Whose silent care and ministering hands, Are with me night and day.

I thank Thee for the strength that held me up In my dark hour of want and sore distress; When my soul's lips had drained the bitter cup, And I was comfortless!

And oh, I pray that perfect love to Thee May touch and gild each word and deed of mine; That even careless eyes may rest on me, And know that I am Thine.

Let Thine eternal counsel guide me here In ways of holiness—that when the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," meets mine ear, I may go forth—my lamp-light burning clear; To meet Thee joyfully. —Theodore Bayling.