Source of being, Holy Father, <br />With the day's returning light, <br />Round our board with thanks we gather, <br />For the mercies of the night: <br /> <br /> <br />Mercies that the stars outnumber, <br />Which their silent courses keep,- <br />Angel guards that never slumber,- <br />While we lie and safely sleep. <br /> <br /> <br />Pillows, wet with tears of anguish, <br />Couches, pressed in sleepless woe, <br />Where the sons of Belial languish, <br />Father, may we never know! <br /> <br /> <br />For, the maddening cup shall never <br />To our thirsting lips be pressed, <br />But, our draft shall be, for ever, <br />The cold water thou hast blessed. <br /> <br /> <br />This shall give us strength to labor, <br />This, make all our stores increase; <br />This, with thee and with our neighbour, <br />Bind us in the bonds of peace. <br /> <br /> <br />For the lake, the well, the river, <br />Water-brook, and crystal spring, <br />Do we now, to thee, the Giver, <br />Thanks, our daily tribute, bring.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymns-and-odes-for-temperance-occasions-xii/