Poems (Toke)/Saint Paul's day

by Emma Toke

SAINT PAUL'S DAY.

E bless Thee, Lord, for that clear light,
 The dayspring from on high,
That burst upon the Gentile night,
 And bade the darkness fly.
We bless Thee for the joyful sound,
 First sent by holy Paul,
The voice that woke earth's utmost bound,
 To hear Thy gracious call.

And as in him fierce, ruthless zeal,
 Touched by Thy love, became
An ardent thirst for others' weal,
 A pure and holy flame:
So in our hearts all wrath dispel,
 All bitterness destroy;
And let Thy mind within us dwell,
 Thy love and peace and joy.

And of Thy mercy, hear our cry
 For this long-favoured land,
That now, as in the days gone by,
 Her strength may be Thy hand;
That still the great Apostle's sword
 Undaunted she may wield,
And find that never-failing word
 Her weapon and her shield.

May she her holy lot fulfil,
 Earth's sanctuary to be,
And stand amid the nations still,
 A witness true for Thee.
And when the last dread trumpet's sound
 Upon her ear shall ring,
Grant that her children may be found
 Prepared to meet their King.