_I thank Thee, Lord of earth and heaven,
For all the blessings Thou hast given.
Some marched in such a shining line
I knew their banner and their sign.
Some came to my bewildered eyes
Dressed in a fanciful disguise.
Some came attired as Bitterness,
But stayed to strengthen and to bless.
Some nameless came, and passed away,
Unknown till after many a day.
Some came so silently that I
Did not suspect that they were nigh.
Some were the blessings, strong and sure,
Of things that I did not endure.
And so, however they befall,
Dear Lord, I thank Thee for them all_.
[Illustration of a church. People, in three groups of three, are
approaching the entry. Trees are leafless. The writing at the bottom of
the illustration states, “Come Ye Thankful People, Come.”]