Page:Poems Toke.djvu/49

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For there we see the forms so dear,
The treasured ties that bind us here,
 Departing one by one,
Till every friend has passed away,
And we, in life's declining day,
 Are left to weep alone.

Sad, sad the thought! but not to all;
Oh, some, when deep the shadows fall,
 And all around is drear,
(Can see the future's threatening form,
Yet calmly meet the coming storm
 Without one doubt or fear!

For they can view the thorny way,
Still lit by Heaven's unfading ray,
 That many a saint has trod;
Then lift their hearts and hopes above,
To rest upon a Father's love,
 And trust their all to God.

Thrice happy they! for who could fear
The storms of life, if One be near
 The raging waves to quell,
Or feel, though every friend were gone,
A wanderer on earth alone,
 If God be with him still?

Then, Lord, be Thou to every breast
A Star of hope, an Ark of rest,
 While here on earth we roam;
And, oh! whate'er our lot may prove,
Still guard us with Thy changeless love,
 And guide us safely home.