“And now, Lord, we humbly pray for Thy blessing and consolation to come to all the people of our land and nation. Forgive our past shortcomings; our sins of omission as well as our sins of commission. Help us to make the golden rule the standard of our lives, and that we may ‘do unto others as we would have them do unto us,’ and thus become indeed a people whose God is the Lord.
“These things we humbly ask in the name of Him who taught us when we pray to say: ‘Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and glory, forever. Amen.’”
As the bowed heads lifted a sweet voice rose in song. It was Mrs. Thomas C. Noyes, one who had honored the President—as all women honored him—one who had known him well. The words, the air, the pathos of the scene, combined in a wonderful impressiveness.
Not now, but in the coming years
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.
CHORUS.
Then trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;