Sweet inspiring hope, whose mild beam
Shines far beyond this darksome stream
Of time, where sorrow's cloud hangs low,
And life's frail bark moves on but slow
Towards heaven and heavenly things,
Whence joy and comfort springs,--
By thy pure ray the rainbow gleams
In every earthly cloud, and streams
Across the river's flowing tide,
Where earth-laden barks scarcely bide
The rolling of the wave,
Or all its power brave.
Many poor striving ones would sink
And fail heaven's blissful cup to drink,
Shouldst thou remove thy cheering ray;
Would fail to walk in wisdom's way,
Fail to reach that fair haven,
Home of God above,--heaven.
