In calm and cool and silence, once again <br />I find my old accustomed place among <br />My brethren, where, perchance, no human tongue <br />Shall utter words; where never hymn is sung, <br />Nor deep-toned organ blown, nor censer swung, <br />Nor dim light falling through the pictured pane! <br />There, syllabled by silence, let me hear <br />The still small voice which reached the prophet's ear; <br />Read in my heart a still diviner law <br />Than Israel's leader on his tables saw! <br />There let me strive with each besetting sin, <br />Recall my wandering fancies, and restrain <br />The sore disquiet of a restless brain; <br />And, as the path of duty is made plain, <br />May grace be given that I may walk therein, <br />Not like the hireling, for his selfish gain, <br />With backward glances and reluctant tread, <br />Making a merit of his coward dread, <br />But, cheerful, in the light around me thrown, <br />Walking as one to pleasant service led; <br />Doing God's will as if it were my own, <br />Yet trusting not in mine, but in His strength alone!<br /><br />John Greenleaf Whittier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/first-day-thoughts/
