Psalm Cxviii. 14. Poem by Mary Anne Browne

THOU art my strength, Thou great and holy God!
Almighty and all-merciful! Thy hand
Hath guided me when tremblingly I trod,
And 'midst the water-floods with Thee I stand.
Thou dost uphold me in mine hour of sorrow,
And wing'st my feet when I temptation flee,
From Thee my shield of hope and faith I borrow,
Thy powerful arm my fettered soul doth free;
God! Thou dost strengthen me.

Thou art my song, my everlasting song!
Even when silent doth my full heart pour
The gratitude that doth to Thee belong,
Yet still its founts are freshened evermore.
If on these lips is laid thy sacred fire,
Back to Thy shrine I would the tribute bring,
My soul to Thee, Most Holy! would aspire,
And all its being at thy footstool fling;
Teach me Thy praise to sing.

And Thou art my salvation! who but Thee
Could bear me in my fiery trials on,
'Midst fetters, bid me walk at liberty,
And be my hope, when earthly hope was gone?
Who else could lift the veil 'twixt earth and heaven,
And shew me, by the eye of Faith divine,
The blessedness prepared for those forgiven,
Whose spirits shall be perfect e'en like Thine?
Saviour, oh be thou mine!