Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/90

The Hymn that to the ear of Love divine
Tells of each heart's deep, fervent thankfulness,
More welcome than frankincense. Then the sire,
Priest of the family by God ordained,
From prophet old, or Psalmist, words of life
Reads reverently, as if afresh they came
From God's own lips to gladden trusting hearts;
Or lessons from His mouth who, Light of men,
Spake as no mortal tongue e'er spake besides;
Or from the story of his mighty deeds,
His lowliness, and grace that reached to all,
His shameful cross and wondrous sacrifice!
Then at the mercy-seat together bowed,
One tender voice, the worship of all hearts
Pours forth in utterance simple and sincere:
Forgiveness asks for common faults confessed,
And praise heartfelt, for blessings shared, presents
To Him without whom not a sparrow falls;
Life, health and comfort, all most dear, commit,
For coming days, to his o'er-watching care;
And 'neath the shadow of his wings to dwell