University of Virginia Library


30

HOPE IN GOD.

Appear for my defence, my God,
And let thy shield be spread
Around the sailor's lonely heart,
And unprotected head.
Thine are the ocean and the land,
And man's frail dying race,
While those who walk in pride, thy hand
Is able to abase.
Let not my hope in thee be crossed,
Who have no help beside,
Nor on the winds my prayer be lost,
Thou Everlasting Guide!

31

But bid thy mercy and thy love
Encompass me around,
And thoughts of heavenly comfort prove
A balm for every wound.
Uphold me in temptation's field,
Where I am called to go,
Nor let my feeble spirit yield
To earthly sin and woe.
For though the wildest storms may rise,
And darkness rule the sphere,
The hope that anchors in the skies
Hath nought to do with fear.