Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By William CroswellDoane

889 Ancient of Days

ANCIENT of days, Who sittest, throned in glory;

To Thee all knees are bent, all voices pray;

Thy love has blest the wide world’s wondrous story,

With light and life since Eden’s dawning day.

O Holy Father, Who hast led Thy children

In all the ages, with the Fire and Cloud,

Through seas dry-shod; through weary wastes bewildering;

To Thee, in reverent love, our hearts are bowed.

O Holy Jesus, Prince of Peace and Saviour,

To Thee we owe the peace that still prevails,

Stilling the rude wills of men’s wild behavior,

And calming passion’s fierce and stormy gales.

O Holy Ghost, the Lord and the Life-giver,

Thine is the quickening power that gives increase;

From Thee have flowed, as from a pleasant river,

Our plenty, wealth, prosperity, and peace.

O Triune God, with heart and voice adoring,

Praise we the goodness that doth crown our days;

Pray we, that Thou wilt hear us, still imploring

Thy love and favor, kept to us always.