Page:Benjamin Fisk Barrett, an Autobiography.djvu/191

Rh The angels now are nearer drawn,
 * Their voices more distinctly heard;

The rustle of their wings is gone,
 * Or, rather, say their wings are grown—
 * Their power to soar more clearly shown
 * Through prompt obedience to God's Word.

Their call, so clear, to undertake
 * The Master's work on earth to do,

To soothe and cheer the hearts that ache,
 * To heal the sick wherever found,
 * To lift the lowly from the ground
 * To seek a balm for every wound,
 * And scatter blessings all around—
 * This call is heard, and heeded, too.

Darling, on this, thy natal day,
 * Accept the offering that we bring,

Of hearts that now and ever pray
 * For Gods good Spirit thee to guide,
 * To do His will whate'er betide;—
 * So may thy life His praises sing.

From countless belfries on this day
 * The Christmas chimes are ringing,

And many tongues of old and young
 * The Christmas hymns are singing.

In churches bright with evergreen
 * Are tens of thousands kneeling,

And uttering words of thanks and praise
 * For God's sublime revealing.