Laus Deo,—on this rock
(Heaven chiseled squarely good)
Stands His church,—
God is Love, and understood
By His flock.
Laus Deo, night star-lit
Slumbers not in God's embrace;
Be awake;
Like this stone, be in thy place:
Stand, not sit.
Grave, silent, steadfast stone,
Dirge and song and shoutings low
In thy heart
Dwell serene,—and sorrow? No,
It has none,
Laus Deo!
OUR NATIONAL THANKSGIVING HYMN
Thou who, impartial, blessings spreadst abroad,
Thou wisdom, Love, and Truth,—divinely God!
Who giveth joy and tears, conflict and rest,
Teaching us thus of Thee, who knowest best!
Ruler Supreme! to Thee we'll meekly bow,
When we have learned of Truth what Thou doest now—
Why from this festive hour some dear lost guest
Bears hence its sunlit glow—Thou knowest best!
How have our honored dead fought on in gloom!
Peace her white wings will spread over their tomb;
Why waited their reward, triumph and rest,
Till molds the hero form? Thou knowest best!