l be done!

We take, with solemn thankfulness,
Our burden up, nor ask it less,
And count it joy that even we
May suffer, serve, or wait for thee,
Whose will be done!

Though dim as yet in tint and line,
We trace thy picture's wise design,
And thank thee that our age supplies
Its dark relief of sacrifice.
Thy will be done!

And if, in our unworthiness,
Thy sacrificial wine we press;
If from thy ordeal's heated bars
Our feet are seamed with crimson scars,
Thy will be done!

If, for the age to come, this hour
Of trial hath vicarious power,
And, blest by thee, our present pain
Be liberty's eternal gain,
Thy will be done.

Strike, thou the Master, we thy keys,
The anthem of the destinies!
The minor of thy loftier strain,
Our hearts shall breathe the old refrain,
Thy will be done!

--John Greenleaf Whittier.

There is no sense, as I can see,
In mortals such as you and me
A-faulting nature's wise intents
And locking horns with Providence.

It is no use to grumble and complain;
It's just as cheap and easy to rejoice;
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain--
Why, rain's my choice.

--James Whitcomb Riley.

THY WILL

Not in dumb resignation
We lift our hands on high;
Not like the nerveless fatalist,
Content to do and die.
Our faith springs like the eagle
Who soars to meet the sun,
And cries, exulting, unto thee,
"O Lord, thy will be done!"

Thy will! It bids the weak be strong;
It bids the strong be just;
No lip to fawn, no hand to beg,
No brow to seek the dust.
Wherever man oppresses man,
Beneath the liberal sun,
O Lord, be there! Thine arm make bare!
Thy righteous will be done!

--John Hay.

AS GOD WILL

All goeth but God's will!
The fairest garden flower
Fades after its brief hour
Of brightness. Still,
This is but God's good will.

All goeth but God's will!
The brightest, dearest day
Doth swiftly pass away,
And darkest night
Succeeds the vision bright.

But still strong-hearted be,
Yea, though the night be drear;
How sad and long soe'er
Its gloom may be,
This darkness, too, shall flee.

Weep not yon grave beside!
Dear friend, h