IN MEMORY OF A HAPPY DAY IN FEBRUARY

    Blessed be Thou for all the joy My soul has felt to-day！ Oh, let its memory stay with me, And never pass away！

    I was alone, for those I loved Were far away from me； The sun shone on the withered¹ grass, The wind blew fresh and free.

    Was it the smile of early spring That made my bosom² glow？ 'Twas sweet； but neither sun nor wind Could cheer my spirit so.

    Was it some feeling of delight All vague and undefined？ No； 'twas a rapture³ deep and strong, Expanding in the mind.

    Was it a sanguine⁴ view of life, And all its transient bliss⁵, A hope of bright prosperity？ Oh, no！ it was not this.

    It was a glimpse of truth divine Unto my spirit given, Illumined by a ray of light That shone direct from heaven.

    I felt there was a God on high, By whom all things were made； I saw His wisdom and His power In all his works displayed.

    But most throughout the moral world, I saw his glory shine； I saw His wisdom infinite, His mercy all divine.

    Deep secrets of His providence⁶, In darkness long concealed⁷, Unto the vision of my soul Were graciously revealed.

    But while I wondered and adored His Majesty⁸ divine, I did not tremble at His power： I felt that God was mine；I knew that my Redeemer lived； I did not fear to die； Full sure that I should rise again To immortality⁹.

    I longed to view that bliss divine, Which eye hath never seen； Like Moses, I would see His face Without the veil between.