3 On this faith we fain would rest; Strengthen Thou its blessed power! Steadfast keep it in our breast, Through each dark and trying hour. 325. L. M. Morpeth. The Use of Tears. 1 How little of ourselves we know, Before a grief the heart has felt! The lessons that we learn of woe Make strong the soul, as well as melt. 2 The energies too stern for mirth, The reach of thought, the strength of will, 'Mid cloud and tempest have their birth, Though blight and blast their course fulfil. 3 And yet 'tis when it mourns and fears, The laden spirit feels forgiven; And through the mist of falling tears We catch the clearest glimpse of heaven. 326. L. M. Bryant. Blessed Are They That Mourn. 1 Deem not that they are blest alone Whose days a peaceful tenor keep; The God who loves our race has shown A blessing for the eyes that weep. 2 The light of smiles shall fill again The lids that now o'erflow with tears, And weary hours of woe and pain Are earnests of serener years. 3 O, there are days of hope and rest For every dark and troubled night! And grief may bide, an evening guest, But joy shall come with morning light. 4 And ye, who o'er a friend's low bier Now shed the bitter drops like rain, Know that a brighter, happier sphere Will give him to your arms again. 327. L. M. Norton. My God, I Thank Thee! 1 My God, I thank Thee! may no thought E'er deem Thy chastisements severe; But may this heart, by sorrow taught, Calm each wild wish, each idle fear. 2 Thy mercy bids all nature bloom; The sun shines bright, and man is gay; Thine equal mercy spreads the gloom That darkens o'er his little day. 3 Full many a throb of grief and pain Thy frail and erring child must know; But not one prayer is breathed in vain, Nor does one tear unheeded flow. 4 Thy various messengers employ; Thy purposes of love fulfil; And, 'mid the wreck of human joy, Let kneeling faith adore Thy will. 328. L. M. Doddridge. Weeping Seedtime; Joyful Harvest. 1 The darkened sky, how thick it lowers! Troubled with storms, and big with showers, No cheerful gleam of light appears, But nature pours forth all her tears. 2 Yet let the sons of God revive; He bids the soul that seeks Him live, And from the gloomiest shade of night Calls forth a morning of delight. 3 The seeds of ecstasy unknown Are in these watered furrows sown; See the green blades, how thick they rise, And with fresh verdure bless our eyes!