44. L. M. Raffles.

The Hour of Prayer.

1Blest hour, when mortal man retires

To hold communion with his God,

To send to heaven his warm desires,

And listen to the sacred word.

2Blest hour, when earthly cares resign

Their empire o'er his anxious breast,

While, all around, the calm divine

Proclaims the holy day of rest.

3Blest hour, when God himself draws nigh,

Well pleased his people's voice to hear,

To hush the penitential sigh,

And wipe away the mourner's tear.

4Blest hour! for, where the Lord resorts,

Foretastes of future bliss are given,

And mortals find his earthly courts

The house of God, the gate of heaven.