Classic Poem

FOR A F RIEND'S I NSTALLATION .

Backward looking o'er the past,
Forward too with eager gaze,
Stand we here to-night, O God!
At the parting of the ways.

Tenderest thoughts our bosoms fill;
Memories all bright and fair
Seem to float on spirit-wings
Downward through the silent air.

Hark! through all their music sweet
Hear you not a voice of cheer?
'Tis the voice of Hope which sings:
Happy be the coming year!

Father, comes that voice from Thee;
Swells it with Thy meaning vast:
Good in all the future stored;
Good evolved from all the Past.

Lo, Thy messenger is come,
Burdened with this word divine!
He Thy New Year's gift to us;
May He make us wholly Thine!

Servant of the living God,
Come and let us work with Thee,
For the Love that faileth not,
For the Truth that maketh free.