My hands were weak, but I reached them out
To feebler ones than mine,


RENEWAL OF STRENGTH. 33

And over the shadows of my life
Stole the light of a peace divine.

Oh! then my task was a sacred thing,
How precious it grew in my eyes!
'Twas mine to gather the bruised grain
For the "Lord of Paradise."

And when the reapers shall lay their grain
On the floors of golden light,
I feel that mine with its broken sheaves
Shall be precious in His sight.

Though thorns may often pierce my feet,
And the shadows still abide,
The mists will vanish before His smile,
There will be light at eventide.



RENEWAL OF STRENGTH.

The prison-house in which I live
Is falling to decay,