University of Virginia Library


123

SACRED, O GOD, TO THEE.

DEDICATION HYMN FOR THE DEDHAM HOME FOR WAIF BOYS.
Sacred, O God, to Thee,
This home of ours,
Its sunny slopes and fields,
Its peaceful bowers;
Sacred, O God, to Thee,
Thine may it ever be,—
Both Thine and ours.
Here may the children learn
To lisp Thy praise;
Here infant hearts grow strong
In wisdom's ways;
All that is evil spurn,
For all true goodness yearn,—
All to Thy praise.
And let Thy favor rest
On those whose love
Opened this rural home,
Garden, and grove;
As all the good are blest,
Thy blessing on them rest,
Heaven and love.
After the weeping May,
Springs a bright June;
After a brief eclipse,
Shines the full moon;
After earth's twilight ray,
Be ours a peaceful day,—
Heaven's glorious noon.
June 11, 1886.