At the beautiful gate and other songs of faith :: :: University of Virginia Library

Life is growth, and growth is change:
Shall the new be counted strange,
While the rich Past lends perfume
To the Present in its bloom?

Giving on—as they have given,
Passed beyond us into heaven—
Hearts in this Thy service, Lord,
Find their gift its own reward.

New things blossom out of old;
Fading lives with youth unfold,
Standing in Thy sunrise bright,
Bearing flower and fruit of light.

Looking up into Thy face,
Let us broaden, in our place;
Glad in opening wide our doors,—
Glad in pouring out our stores!

Let our wish, our plan, our end,
With Thy widening purpose blend!
Shape Thou what we will and do—
Thou, who makest all things new!