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Then the Saviour's hand
Was stretch'd to succor him; even as it plucks
The soul that trusts him from the flood of death,
And gives it victory. Safe on the deck
Among the glad disciples, Peter stood,
Full of adoring gratitude, while all
Gave praise and glory to the Son of God.
—Then Peter learn'd he might not place his foot
Upon the ocean's stormy face and live.
Children, you know the reason. 'T is not given
To man to tread the sea. It riseth up,
And sweeps him like a feeble weed away.
But God doth do, what man attempts in vain.
And he who made the sea, can bid its waves
In all the madness of their stormy strength,
Spread a smooth pavement for his feet divine.
