388 Brown. C.M.

(776) Secret Prayer.

I love to steal awhile away

From ev'ry cumb'ring care,

And spend the hours of setting day

In humble, grateful prayer.

2 I love in solitude to shed

The penitential tear,

And all his promises to plead,

Where none but God can hear.

3 I love to think on mercies past,

And future good implore,

And all my cares and sorrows cast

On him whom I adore.

4 I love by faith to take a view

Of brighter scenes in heaven;

The prospect doth my strength renew,

While here by tempests driven.

5 Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er,

May its departing ray

Be calm as this impressive hour,

And lead to endless day!

Mrs. Phoebe H. Brown, 1825.