GIVER of all that crowns our days, <br />With grateful hearts we sing thy praise; <br />Through deep and desert led by Thee, <br />Our promised land at last we see. <br /> <br />Ruler of Nations, judge our cause! <br />If we have kept thy holy laws, <br />The sons of Belial curse in vain <br />The day that rends the captive's chain. <br /> <br />Thou God of vengeance! Israel's Lord! <br />Break in their grasp the shield and sword, <br />And make thy righteous judgments known <br />Till all thy foes are overthrown! <br /> <br />Then, Father, lay thy healing hand <br />In mercy on our stricken land; <br />Lead all its wanderers to the fold, <br />And be their Shepherd as of old. <br /> <br />So shall one Nation's song ascend <br />To Thee, our Ruler, Father, Friend, <br />While Heaven's wide arch resounds again <br />With Peace on earth, good-will to men!<br /><br />Oliver Wendell Holmes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymn-after-the-emancipation-proclamation/
