University of Virginia Library


40

Flowers for the Holy Table.

The God of Nature is the God of Grace;
And so with reverent fingers we entwine
Garlands of blossoms for the Bread and Wine,
Which on the Table of the Lord we place—
As lilies once looked up into His Face
And won a smile from Him in Palestine;
A benediction they will ne'er resign
While cares on human brows their furrows trace.
But if before the Lord 'tis right and meet
To spread the beauty of the fresh-culled flowers,
Nature's own offering at the Saviour's feet;
Let answering thoughts of Grace, in busy hours,
Circle our footsteps in the field or street,
And deck our pathway to the Eternal bowers!