Prayer for the Continuance of the Gospel.

I

Once, while we aim’d at Zion’s songs,
A sudden mourning check’d our tongues!
Then we were called to sow in tears
The seeds of joy for future years.

II

Oft as that memorable hour
The changing year brings round again,
We meet to praise the love and power
Which heard our cries and eased our pain.

III

Come, ye who trembled for the ark,
Unite in praise for answer’d prayer;
Did not the Lord our sorrows mark?
Did not our sighing reach his ear?

IV

Then smaller griefs were laid aside,
And all our cares summ’d up in one;
“Let us but have thy word,” we cried,
“In other things thy will be done.”

V

Since he has granted our request,
And we still hear the gospel voice;
Although by many trials press’d,
In this we can and will rejoice.

VI

Though to our lot temptations fall,
Though pain and want and cares annoy;
The precious gospel sweetens all,
And yields us med’cine, food, and joy.