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Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889

For Divine Strength

By Samuel Johnson (1822–1882)

FATHER, in Thy mysterious presence kneeling,

Fain would our souls feel all Thy kindling love;

For we are weak, and need some deep revealing

Of trust, and strength, and calmness from above.

Lord, we have wandered forth through doubt and sorrow,

And Thou hast made each step an onward one;

And we will ever trust each unknown morrow,—

Thou wilt sustain us till its work is done.

In the heart’s depths a peace serene and holy

Abides, and when pain seems to have its will,

Or we despair,—oh, may that peace rise slowly,

Stronger than agony, and we be still!

Now, Father, now, in Thy dear presence kneeling,

Our spirits yearn to feel Thy kindling love;

Now make us strong, we need Thy deep revealing

Of trust, and strength, and calmness from above.

1864.