Poems (Hoffman)/A Song of Praise
A SONG OF PRAISE
Thou, whose immortal praise is sung In hymns of deathless fame,O, teach a feeble, faltering tongue To magnify Thy name!
Thy name, at which the angels fall And veil each shining brow,Thy name, on which the lowliest call, To which the loftiest bow.
O, for a language to adore Thy glorious name on earth!O, for a heavenly harp to pour Thy heartfelt praises forth!
O, for a hymn to praise Thee still, When centuries have fled;When all who now life's stations fill Are numbered with the dead!
A hymn to praise Thee as thou art Redeemer, Lover, Friend,Fraught with the language of my heart, "Till fleeting time shall end.
Alas! I learn how weak my powers The depths of love to reach,How finite are these joys of ours, How vain is human speech.
Only a thankful heart, I bring For all thy love to give,To Thee, by faltering faith, I cling; Who died, that I might live.
O, keep that heart in perfect peace! O, keep it pure and white!That feeble, fluttering faith increase 'Till changed to perfect sight.
Only for one sweet song, I yearn My gladness to express,That some might turn to Thee, and learn What changeless pleasure is.
O, for the song the Blessed sing! O, for their living lyres!O, for an angel's flaming wing To fan immortal fires!
Vainly, I long to sing Thy love, Thy changeless love to me,O, for a life whose truth shall prove A silent psalm to Thee!
Help me in living faithfully To glorify Thy grace;Then shall I sing eternally When I behold Thy face.