Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Phoebe HinsdaleBrown

50 Private Devotion

I LOVE to steal awhile away

From every cumbering care,

And spend the hours of setting day

In humble, grateful prayer.

I love, in solitude, to shed

The penitential tear;

And all His promises to plead,

When none but God can hear.

I love to think on mercies past,

And future good implore;

And all my cares and sorrows cast

On Him whom I adore.

I love, by faith, to take a view

Of brighter scenes in heaven;

The prospect doth my strength renew,

While here by tempests driven.

Thus, when life’s toilsome day is o’er,

May its departing ray

Be calm as this impressive hour,

And lead to endless day.