And pray that thanks-living shall be my one aim. Then heart, mind and soul, and what ever is mine, W ith glad songs of praise shall for ever be Thine. — Albert Simpson Reitz A THANKSGIVING For all Thy blessings given there are many to thank Thee, Lord, But for the gifts withholden I fain would add my word. For the good things I desired that barred me from the best, The peace at the price of honor, the sloth of a shameful rest; The poisonous sweets I longed for to my hungering heart denied, The staff that broke and failed me when I walked in the way of pride; The tinsel, joys withheld that so con tent might still be mine, The help refused that might have made me loose my hand from Thine; The light withdrawn that I might not see the dangers of my way; For what Thou hast not given, I thank Thee, Lord, today. — Annie Johnson Flint t h in g s B ecome n ew I never knew the stars could hold Such mysteries as they now unfold, I never knew the tumbling rills Could make such music in the hills, I knew the earth was passing fair But not that angels sojourned here! I never knew that grass could be So green, nor waves so full of glee, I never knew the lark could raise Quite so divine a song of praise, I knew the sunshine drove me wild But not that it was God who smiled! But when I gave my heart's poor throne To Christ that He might reign alone, He rent, the veil that blinded me And gave my soul new eyes to see, And so to my new sight the earth Has had, like me, a second birth! — Jack Window
THEY FORGOT God's people of old took the fruit of the vine, The corn and the oil and the gold of the mine. W ith manifold blessings He cared for His own, Yet words of thanksgiving were all but unknown. They simply forgot that God gave them the land W ith all of the riches received from His hand. W ith selfish indulgence they walked in their ways, Nor lifted their hearts and their voices in praise. Today there are many in lands every where Who share in the grace of God's bountiful care; Yet never give thanks to the Father above For all of the wealth of His wonderful love. W ith dark days upon them they mum ble and moan, When trials distress them they grum ble and groan. But when the clouds clear from the pathway they trod, They straightway forget to say thanks unto God. Oh, Lord, search my heart and reveal unto me Where oft I have failed to give thanks unto Thee. Through all of my lifetime Thy love never failed, But goodness and mercy have always prevailed. When burdens were heavy and sorrows opprest Thy great lovingkindness brought com fort and rest. Then why should I fail to give thanks unto Thee For all of Thy mercies abundant and free. W ith heartfelt thanksgiving I'li bless Thy great name
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