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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BETTER LIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From silken cords of earth's delight
Last Line: The winds of heaven blow.
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Future Life; Prayer Meetings; Retribution; Eternity; After Life


FROM silken cords of earth's delight,
From iron chains of care,
O set us free when, in thy sight,
Dear Lord, we kneel in prayer!

Forbid that dreams of ease and cheer,
Or transient thoughts of pride,
Should make an alien atmosphere,
To drift us from thy side.

Forgive if moaning discontent
In unbelief complains;
Forgive if when our hearts are rent
We think but of their pains.

Still come thyself in darkest hours,
And cleave the gloom with rays
So bright that all our grateful powers
Shall turn from grief to praise.

Still consecrate our joyful times
With bliss beyond compare,
While faith the spirit's strength sublimes,
And robes of light we wear.

Oh lift us to the better life!
These shadows come and go;
But where thou art above the strife,
The winds of heaven blow.





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