WHEN the glad New Year shall waken
From the ashes of the last,
And the span of Time shall lengthen
From the shadows of the past;
When the flush of joy shall heighten
With the vigor hope inspires, —
May the GOD OF HOPE be with thee,
And fulfill thy heart’s desires.
When the dust of life lies heavy
On thy consecration vow;
When the hope forsakes thy bosom,
And the cloud is on thy brow;
Dost thou mourn for sin unconquered,
And for duties left undone?
May the GOD of PEACE be with thee.
And restore His wandering one.
When the tempter would beguile thee
Into new and devious ways;
When the world would fain ensnare thee
With its vain and empty praise, —
May the God of thy salvation
Still uphold thee to the end.
And from manifold temptations
May the GOD OF GRACE defend.
If the year that lies before thee
Bring a blessing rich and rare,
And the crown of joy be jewelled,
Which thou shalt be called to wear ―
May the GOD OF GLORY teach thee
How to cast it at His feet,
Or to wear it in the spirit
Which will make thy joy complete.
When the flowers of joy have faded
From the garden of thy heart,
If the hand of sorrow presses,
And thou feel the cruel smart;
When no wine is in the chalice,
And the chalice broken lies, —
May the GOD OF CONSOLATION
Still accept thy sacrifice.
Through the coming days of gladness,
Through the darker night of care,
Blending with the joy of friendship,
Guiding, blessing everywhere, ―
May the GOD OF LOVE surround thee,
Guard and keep thee evermore,
Till the last New Year shall land thee
On the Great Eternal Shore.