The Hope of Man.

1 The 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.

2 For 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.

3 He could not breathe an earnest prayer,