August 9

Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit.

I KNOW not what the future hath Of marvel or surprise,

Assured alone that life and death His mercy underlies.

And if my heart and flesh are weak To bear an untried pain,

The bruised reed He will not break, But strengthen and sustain.

No offering of my own I have, Nor works my faith to prove:

I can but give the gifts-He gave, And plead His love for love.

And so beside the Silent Sea I wait the muffled oar;

No harm from Him can come to me On ocean or on shore.

J. G. WHITTIER

PARADISI GLORIA