Poems (Hale)/Sunday School Festival, 1837

by Mary Whitwell Hale

SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL. 1837.

Father! when gathered round Thy throne,
Thy name to bless, Thy love to own,
Deign with our contrite souls to meet,
Thus suppliant at Thy mercy seat.

Thanks for the Gospel of our Lord:
What strength divine its words afford!
Peace when the angry storm-clouds lower,
And sweeter joy in hope's bright hour.

Bless, Father! bless this youthful band,
Who here around Thine altar stand;
Make each young heart Thy favored shrine,
And touch it with Thy fire divine.

And he, Thy watchman on this tower,
Gird him with grace, and strength, and power;
His heart sustain, his spirit cheer,
And bless him with Thy presence here.

Guide those who wait with patient love,
To point each infant eye above;
To them a priceless meed be given,—
Thy peace on earth, Thy smile in heaven.

Press on! ye heralds of his word!
Follow in faith your risen Lord!
Press on! untiring, till your eye
Discern the land of promise nigh.

So when our feet its shores shall tread,
By God our Father gently led,
There may we all the chorus raise
Of fervent prayer and grateful praise.