Classic Poem

Look down, in love, from Heaven, Lord,
And bless this holy place
With light and comfort of Thy word,
And all Thy gifts of grace.

Here take the child, whose little brow
Is marked for Thee alone,
And keep him till his later vow
Shall make him still Thine own.

Let all who seek Thy bread and wine,
In Thy most holy rite,
By faith take Thee amid the sign,
And share Thy ghostly might.

May still the bridegroom and the bride,
When Thou hast made them one,
Go hence, true faith-mates, side by side,
God's children in the Son.

Whatever prayer be made below
This roof, on bended knee,
As each may feel his sorest woe,
And spread his hands to Thee,

O hear from Heaven, Thy dwelling place,
And give, forgive, fulfill
To every soul, with loving grace,
As Thou shalt know his will.

And when, below Thy world-wide call,
The dead in Christ shall rise,
Of those that here shall rest, may all
In Thee have closed their eyes.