Praise for slumbers of the night,
For the wakening morning's light,
For the board with plenty spread,
Gladness o'er the spirit shed;
Healthful pulse and cloudless eye,
Opening on the smiling sky.
Praise! for loving hearts that still
With life's bounding pulses thrill;
Praise, that still our own may know—
Earthly joy and earthly woe.
Praise for every varied good,
Bounteous round our pathway strew'd!
Prayer! for grateful hearts to raise
Incense meet of prayer and praise!
Prayer, for spirits calm and meek,
Wisdom life's best joys to seek;
Strength 'midst devious paths to tread—
That through which the Saviour led.
Prayer! for those who, day by day,
Weep their bitter life away;
Prayer, for those who bind the chain
Rudely on their throbbing vein—
That repentance deep may win
Pardon for the fearful sin!