University of Virginia Library


139

OUTLOOK.

‘Thou tellest their wanderings.’

Lord, we do not only pray
For our brethren far away
From the land they hold so dear,
Land whose memory brings the tear;
But for those who further rove
From a land they dearlier love,
Who with saddening footsteps flee
From their mother-home in Thee.

140

So we do not pray for those
Over whom the deep may close;
But for those who nevermore
May regain faith's restful shore.
Shall thy havening Church take thought
For the souls to harbour brought,
With no outlook toward that sea
Where perchance her shipwreck'd be?
Though beyond her sight they sail,
Can her prayerful watching fail?
Cry that woke the Christ forgot,
‘Lord, they perish, car'st thou not?’
If their course she may not track,
May not call the wanderers back;
Lo, the lost to her, may be
Rescued, succour'd, found by Thee.
As we have thy promise plain,
None have ever sought in vain;
From believing hearts we say,
None in vain can miss the way.