We praise thee-if one rescued soul, <br />While the past year prolonged its flight, <br />Turned shuddering, from the poisonous bowl, <br />To health, and liberty, and light. <br /> <br /> <br />We praise thee-if one clouded home, <br />Where broken hearts, despairing, pined, <br />Behold the sire and husband come, <br />Erect, and in his perfect mind. <br /> <br /> <br />No more a weeping wife to mock, <br />Who on his arm in faith had leaned, <br />No more the trembling mind to shock, <br />And sink the father in the fiend. <br /> <br /> <br />Still give us grace, Almighty King! <br />Unwavering at our posts to stand, <br />'Till, grateful at thy shrine we bring <br />The tribute of a ransomed land.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/new-year-s-hymn-2/
