Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HYMN WRITTEN FOR ... BOSTON YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN UNION, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES


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HYMN WRITTEN FOR ... BOSTON YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN UNION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Our father! While our hearts unlearn
Last Line: And nobler work to do!
Subject(s): Youth


OUR Father! while our hearts unlearn
The creeds that wrong thy name,
Still let our hallowed altars burn
With Faith's undying flame!

Not by the lightning-gleams of wrath
Our souls thy face shall see,
The star of Love must light the path
That leads to Heaven and Thee.

Help us to read our Master's will
Through every darkening stain
That clouds his sacred image still,
And see Him once again,

The brother man, the pitying friend
Who weeps for human woes,
Whose pleading words of pardon blend
With cries of raging foes.

If 'mid the gathering storms of doubt,
Our hearts grow faint and cold,
The strength we cannot live without
Thy love will not withhold.

Our prayers accept; our sins forgive;
Our youthful zeal renew;
Shape for us holier lives to live,
And nobler work to do!





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