p. 1 | PRAYER AND PRAISE by H. L. S.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 25, 1856

PRAYER AND PRAISE.

By H. L. S.

"We praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord"

The first-born rose of vernal prime That opes its bosom rare, In gentle sighs of fragrant breath Doth make its morning prayer.

The summer-bird on raptured wing, That cleaves the vaulted sky, Doth to the great Creator pour Its gushing minstrelsy.

Rich Autumn, with her fruitful hoard, Her harvests ripening fair, The golden sheaf, and loaded wain, Doth praise the Giver's care:

Even Winter in its Sabbath rest Adores the King of might, And every snow-flake speaks of him Who robes the earth in white.

Thou art his servant, O my soul, By birth, by choice, by vow, By bounties of each rolling year— Prove thy allegiance now:

Yea, prove it as each passing day Unfolds its pinions fleet, By deeds of love, by thoughts of prayer, By strains of worship sweet.

Make this brief a song of praise Where'er thy lot may be; And learn the language here below Of heaven's eternity. [H. L. S.]