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23

Old age totters forth with his crutch, and he seems
To gain new life and strength from thy health-giving beams,
The little ones hail thee with pleasure unfeigned,
They gambol and sport in thy light unrestrained,
There's an unwonted smile on the toiler's worn face,
And a heartier tone in his greeting we trace;
Oh, blind and deaf-hearted indeed must he be,
That fails to acknowledge a blessing in thee!

Dost thou not speak with unfaltering voice
To all who are wistful, and bid them rejoice?
Dost thou not tell of a Father above,
Unspeakably great, and abounding in love?
Dost thou not say that He knoweth our need,
He knoweth, and careth, and blesseth indeed?
Apt emblem art thou of His goodness divine,
Free, boundless, exhaustless, resplendent sunshine!

Beautiful sunshine of God's wondrous grace,
Shedding sweet influence in every place,
Cheering the desolate, brightening the sad,
Raising to heaven the hearts that are glad!
Thou art a treasure of infinite worth,
All life and enjoyment from thee have their birth;
To bask in thy fulness is unfailing bliss,
Bountiful Father, we thank Thee for this!