A SILENT TE DEUM

We thank Thee, Lord,

For all Thy Golden Silences,—

For every Sabbath from the world's turmoil;

For every respite from the stress of life;—

Silence of moorlands rolling to the skies,

Heath-purpled, bracken-clad, aflame with gorse;

Silence of grey tors crouching in the mist;

Silence of deep woods’ mystic cloistered calm;

Silence of wide seas basking in the sun;

Silence of white peaks soaring to the blue;

Silence of dawnings, when, their matins sung,

The little birds do fall asleep again;

For the deep silence of high golden noons;

Silence of gloamings and the setting sun;

Silence of moonlit nights and patterned glades;

Silence of stars, magnificently still,

Yet ever chanting their Creator's skill;

For that high silence of Thine Open House,

Dim-branching roof and lofty-pillared aisle,

Where burdened hearts find rest in Thee awhile;

Silence of friendship, telling more than words;

Silence of hearts, close-knitting heart to heart

Silence of joys too wonderful for words;

Silence of sorrows, when Thou drawest near;

Silence of soul, wherein we come to Thee,

And find ourselves in Thine Immensity;

For that great silence where Thou dwell'st alone —

— Father, Spirit, Son, in One,

Keeping watch above Thine Own,—

Deep unto deep, within us sound sweet chords

Of praise beyond the reach of human words;

In our souls’ silence, feeling only Thee,—

We thank Thee, thank Thee,

Thank Thee, Lord!