Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/20

14 The Rulers of this Christian land, 'Twixt Thee and us ordained to stand,— Guide Thou their course, O Lord, aright, Let all do all as in Thy sight.

Oh! by Thine own sad burthen, borne So meekly up the hill of scorn, Teach Thou Thy Priests their daily cross To bear as Thine, nor count it loss!

If some poor wandering child of Thine Have spurned to-day the voice divine, Now, Lord, the gracious work begin; Let him no more lie down in sin.

Watch by the sick: enrich the poor With blessings from Thy boundless store: Be every mourner's sleep to-night, Like infants' slumbers, pure and light.

Come near and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take; Till in the ocean of Thy love We lose ourselves, in Heaven above.

-again the Gospel-trump is blown— From year to year it swells with louder tone, From year to year the signs of wrath Are gathering round the Judge's path, Strange words fulfilled, and mighty works achieved, And truth in all the world both hated and believed.

Awake! why linger in the gorgeous town, Sworn liegemen of the Cross and thorny crown? Up from your beds of sloth for shame, Speed to the eastern mount like flame, Nor wonder, should ye find your King in tears, E'en with the loud Hosanna ringing in His ears.