Classic Poem

FOR A CHURCH ANNIVERSARY .

Eternal One, thou living God,
Whom changing years unchanged reveal,
With thee their way our fathers trod;
The hand they held, in ours we feel!

The same our trust, the same our need,
In sorrow's stress, in duty's hour;
We keep their faith, if not their creed,
That faith the fount of all our power!

We bless thee for the growing light,
The advancing thought, the widening view,
The larger freedom, clearer sight,
Which from the old unfolds the new.

With wider view, come loftier goal!
With fuller light, more good to see!
With freedom, truer self-control,
With knowledge, deeper reverence be!

Anew we pledge ourselves to thee,
To follow where thy truth shall lead.
That truth alone can make us free;
Who goes with God is safe indeed!