Fortitude

Fortitude

From thee, O Lord, among all gifts,

I pray for fortitude.

Give not to me a life of ease;

Keep me not from the world's disease;

But give me strength thy will to please, —

And fortitude.

Often I wander from the way

That leadeth unto life.

These trials are but danger's sign

To guide this groping soul of mine,

My heart to keep with truth align,

Eternally.

Should I within fond Luxury's lap

Recline, and take my ease;

And never feel the touch of pain,

Nor learn that effort must regain

To exaltation, man profane,

From worldliness;

How then could I thy mercy know?

Or know my fellow men?

Through suffering dost thou me blesa;

With smiting rod my soul caress,

That I may prove my worthiness

For evermore.

So give me not, I pray thee, Lord,

From sin, refuge secure;

But rather give me strength to be

A little more each day like thee;

Though I may die on Calvary

Of trials sore.

And bless me with that gift of gifts,

The strength to overcome

The stumbling stones along my way,

The strength to serve thee night and day,

The heart to look to thee and say,

Thy will be done.

— Lloyd 0. Ivie.

Raymond, Canada

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