999. L. M. Anonymous.

The Cause of Humanity Hopeful.

1The past is dark with sin and shame,

The future dim with doubt and fear;

But, Father, yet we praise thy name,

Whose guardian love is always near!

2For man has striven ages long

With faltering steps to come to thee,

And in each purpose high and strong

The influence of thy grace could see.

3He could not breathe an earnest prayer

But thou wert kinder than he dreamed,

As age by age brought hopes more fair,

And nearer still thy kingdom seemed.

4But never rose within his breast,

A trust so calm and deep as now;

Shall not the weary find a rest?

Father! Preserver! answer thou!

5'Tis dark around, 'tis dark above,

But through the shadow streams the sun;

We cannot doubt thy certain love,

And man's great aim shall yet be won!

Joyful Hope.

1Know, my soul, thy full salvation;

Rise o'er sin, and fear, and care;

Joy to find, in every station,

Something still to do, or bear.

Think what spirit dwells within thee;

Think what Father's smiles are thine;

Think what Jesus did to win thee;--

Child of heaven! canst thou repine?

2Haste thee on from grace to glory,

Armed with faith, and winged with prayer;

Heaven's eternal day's before thee,

God's own hand shall guide thee there:

Soon shall cease thine earthly mission,

Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days;

Hope shall change to glad fruition,

Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.