Classic Poem

I ASK not earthly pomp and power,
Earth's riches or its joy;
For well I know Time's onward march
Such glory will destroy:
But, O blest Saviour! grace impart,—
Oh light “the Day-Star in my heart”!

Amid the sorrows mortals know
Along life's chequered way,
Where sweetest joys too soon are o'er,
And brightest flowers decay,
One blessed boon, my God, impart:
Give me “the Day-Star in my heart”!

When sorrow's night, and sin's dark cloud,
Seem hovering near my soul,
O thou who dost in earth and heaven
O'er all things have control
Bid from my soul each cloud depart,—
Give me “the Day-Star in my heart”!

Then forth upon the wings of love
To other hearts I'd speed,
And scatter there, with childlike faith,
The precious gospel-seed,
Till penitential tears shall start,
And beams the Day-Star in each heart.”