LITANY—THE CLOSING CENTURY.
By Fred T. Elkin
OUR Father, steadfast midst the flight of years,
Leading creation to Thy kingdom’s morn,
Thou, the restraint of empires earth uprears,
Exert Thy care o’er us, the youngest-born. Here, in the hush of wise reflection’s hour,
Here, by the bier of the great century
That nursed our infant weakness into power,
A nation bares its conscience before Thee. Deal gently with us; lo, our blood is hot
With youth and the excitement of success!
Bear with us in such works where Thou art not;
Believe we err because of thoughtlessness. Renew our heritage—united hearts,
The forward faith, the voice that fear forsakes—
Renew the courage that Thy truth imparts—
Courage to recognize and right mistakes. Mighty for right or wrong our will finds sway.
We judge, we champion, we assimilate;
Our frontiers leap the waves. Grant, Lord, that they
Expand in peace and not in racial hate. Our challenge rings—we bid all to our feast—
We guard the South’s divided diadem:
Our Western star relights the night-bound East,
Grant that it lead aright—to Bethlehem. Time’s portal opens on futurity;
Shadows and glories haze the mighty space;
God of the unknown, grant at least that we
Step fearless, as befits a sovereign race. Then weigh us unto truth, and, testing us,
Let good intent our vanities outscale;
And lend the Spirit’s holy impetus
To leaven many things wherein we fail. 1724 California Street, Denver, Colo.