Cannot for less be told.

--George Herbert.

GOD'S PRESENCE

But God is never so far off
As even to be near.
He is within; our spirit is
The home he holds most dear.

To think of him as by our side
Is almost as untrue
As to remove his throne beyond
Those skies of starry blue.

So all the while I thought myself
Homeless, forlorn, and weary,
Missing my joy, I walked the earth,
Myself God's sanctuary.

I come to thee once more, my God!
No longer will I roam;
For I have sought the wide world through
And never found a home.

Though bright and many are the spots
Where I have built a nest--
Yet in the brightest still I pined
For more abiding rest.

For thou hast made this wondrous soul
All for thyself alone;
Ah! send thy sweet transforming grace
To make it more thine own.

--Frederick William Faber.

GOD IS MINE

If God is mine then present things
And things to come are mine;
Yea, Christ, his word, and Spirit, too,
And glory all divine.

If he is mine then from his love
He every trouble sends;
All things are working for my good,
And bliss his rod attends.

If he is mine I need not fear
The rage of earth and hell;
He will support my feeble power,
Their utmost force repel.

If he is mine let friends forsake,
Let wealth and honor flee;
Sure he who giveth me himself
Is more than these to me.

If he is mine I'll boldly pass
Through death's tremendous vale;
He is a solid comfort when
All other comforts fail.

Oh! tell me, Lord, that thou art mine;
What can I wish beside?
My soul shall at the fountain live,
When all the streams are dried.

A PRESENT SAVIOUR

I have thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord,
That tender voice of thine
Doth peace afford.

I have thee every hour,
Thou stay'st near by;
Temptations lose their power
Since thou art nigh.

I have thee every hour,
In joy and pain;
With me thou dost abide,
And life is gain.

I have thee every hour,
Teach me thy will;
All thy rich promises
Thou dost fulfill.

I have thee every hour,
Most Holy One,
And I am thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

--Annie S. Hawks, altered by