O for the peace that floweth as a river!

O for the peace that floweth as a river! Making life's desert places bloom and smile; O for the faith to grasp heaven's bright "for ever"! Amid the shadows of earth's "little while."

" A little while" for patient vigil keeping, To face the storm and wrestle with the strong; " A little while" to sow the seed with weeping, Then bind the sheaves and sing the harvest song.

" A little while" the earthen pitcher taking To wayside brooks, from far-off fountains fed; Then the parched lip its thirst for ever slaking Beside the fullness of the Fountain-head.

" A little while" to keep the oil from failing, " A little while" faith's flick'ring lamp to trim; And then the Bridegroom's coming footsteps hailing, We'll haste to meet Him with the bridal hymn.