If There E'er Was a Time

If  there e' er was a time of rejoicing, 'twas then

When we first broke asunder the shackles that bound us,

And walked in a freedom more blest than of men,

For the smiles of the Savior were scattered around us.

Drawn forth from the shades of our prison, we deemed

All nature resplendent with light and with beauty;

And oft, in the glow of our feelings, it seemed

We ne'er could be wanting in love and in duty.

And shall it be said, that our souls cease to love?

And shall we forget so transcendent a blessing?

Dear Savior, look down from thy mansions above,

And from moment to moment bestow thy refreshing,

'Tis in Thee that we live; Thou didst give us our life,

'Tis in Thee that we hope; let thy banner be o' er us.

Unless Thou dost aid us, we fail in the strife,

But with Thee every foe shall be driven before us.

— American Cottage Life (1850).