And sung at a Thanksgiving dinner given by James Smith, at his home in
Schoolcraft, November, 1835.
Again the joyful seasons
Have run their destined course,
And borne ten thousand reasons
Of more than reason's force.
Why, man, the chief receiver
Of all their countless joys
Should raise unto the giver
A glad and thankful voice.
Yea, every land and nation
That owns the gladdening sun
Should render adoration
To Him, the Holy One:
To Him, to sing whose praises
Angelic choirs unite;
To Him whose goodness raises
From darkness into light.
But chiefly with thanksgiving
And songs of honor new,
As most of all receiving,
Should we the homage due
Repay to Him whose bounty
With overflowing hand,
Has sent us smiling plenty
Far from our fatherland.
And when with rich profusion
We crown the festal board,
And mirth and gay confusion
With cheerful health accord,
Be mindful of His mercies
Who rules the rolling year,
Who every doubt disperses
And dries the falling tear.