_Secret Prayer._ (776)
I love to steal awhile away
From ev'ry cumb'ring care,
And spend the hours of setting day
In humble, grateful prayer.
2 I love in solitude to shed
The penitential tear,
And all his promises to plead,
Where none but God can hear.
3 I love to think on mercies past,
And future good implore,
And all my cares and sorrows cast
On him whom I adore.
4 I love by faith to take a view
Of brighter scenes in heaven;
The prospect doth my strength renew,
While here by tempests driven.
5 Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er,
May its departing ray
Be calm as this impressive hour,
And lead to endless day!
Mrs. Phoebe H. Brown, 1825.