The sun has set; grey shadows darken slowly
The rose-red cloud-hills that were bathed in light.
O Lord, to Thee, with spirit meek and lowly,
I kneel in prayer to-night.

I thank Thee for my -daily bread�-the sorrow
And the gladness Thou hast given me this day-
The strange rich gifts which, through a long to-morrow,
Deep in my soul will stay.

I thank Thee for the grace that aye restrainèd
My passionate will when it was bent for wrong-
That fed the soul-lamp when the light had wanèd,
And made the weak hands strong.

I thank Thee that the gentle voice of pleading
Made itself heard amid the whirl and strife-
E'en when I walk'd my wilful way unheeding,
Telling of light and life.

That in the sad hour of my soul's affliction,
When I look'd backward as from parchèd lands,
The -gracious rain� of heavenly benediction
Fell still from outstretch'd hands.

Ay, ay, no earnest hope, no true endeavour,
Has been unanswer'd or unbless'd by Thee:
Thou, Lord, who carest for Thine own for ever,
Hast cared indeed for me.

I think of all the blessing and the sweetness
That made the burden of this day so light,
How my home-ties are still in their completeness
Wound round my heart to-night;

How Thou hast had my treasures in Thy keeping,
And yet hast spared them to be mine-still mine;
How o'er the beds where my loved ones are sleeping
Thy folded wings will shine.
And, O my God! I cannot thank Thee duly-
No word or deed which Jesus' love will take
Can span the measure of one blessing truly.
Forgive-for Jesus' Sake!