THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

Valdimar Briem (1848-1930)
10.10.10.10
This wondrous world, my God, a book I deem,
Wherein the Author's heavenly glories shine:
The petals of the wayside flowers meseem
Its pages, pencilled o'er by hand divine.
The sun that soars above the eastern deep
Toward the realms celestial beckoneth me;
The glowing orb, which westering sinks to sleep,
Tells of eternal rest and peace with Thee.

Within my breast fair spring's life-laden wind

Kindles new hope in Thine abounding grace;
The gathering gloom of autumn bids me find
Within Thy sheltering arms my hiding place.
The countless stars which gleam athwart the sky,

Speak of Thine eyes which sleep not day nor night;

While at my feet the earth-born flowers reply,

"We live our lowly lives within God's sight."

Grant me, dear Lord, to scan Thy works, until
My heart their soothing ministry doth own.
What though Thy might the flesh with awe instil?
The spirit yearns to Thine all-gracious throne.
Valdimar Briem (1848-1930)
10.10.10.10.10.10

Oft in death's shadowy vale, like screen of night,

Before life's Sun the driving cloud-mists blow;

No way lies open to the halls of light,
The passes stand deep blocked by drifted snow;
Lord, ever let Thy heavens unclouded shine;

Lighten Thy pilgrim's eyes with light divine.

Oft in the narrow rock-girt paths of life,

The weary will would fail, the strength would flee;

I stagger weakened by the unceasing strife,
Fainting I fall, unless Thou succour me:

What time the o'erburdened spirit dreads defeat,

O champion her, Thou heavenly Paraclete.
Oft mid the noisy tumult of the world
No more I hear the angels' healing song,

Only the torrents' threatening roar, where hurled

In rapids time's swift stream is borne along:

Lord, o'er the surge of waters rude and wild,

Grant me to hear Thy call, "My child! My child!"

When o'er mine eyelids steals the long last sleep,

Thy face's unveiled glory would I see;
The weary flesh seeks rest in slumber deep,
With might, O let my spirit strengthened be.

Earth's voices fade; deep mid the peace of heaven,

Speak, Lord, the assuring words, "Arise, forgiven!"