Poems (Osgood)/Hymn

by Frances Sargent Osgood

HYMN.

Approach not the altar
 With gloom in thy soul;
Nor let thy feet falter
 From terror's control!

God loves not the sadness
 Of fear and mistrust:
Oh serve Him with gladness—
 The Gentle, the Just!

His bounty is tender,
 His being is Love,—
His smile fills with splendor
 The blue arch above.

Confiding, believing,
 Oh! enter always
"His courts with thanksgiving—
 His portals with praise!"

Nor come to the temple
 With pride in thy mien;
But lowly and simple,
 In courage serene.

Bring meekly before Him
 The faith of a child:
Bow down and adore him,
 With heart undefiled;

And "by the still waters,"
 And through the green shade,
With Zion's glad daughters,
 Thy path shall be made!