When I, In Awesome Wonder

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  “Look! are not the fields covered with a delightful verdure? Is there not something in the woods and groves, in the rivers and clear springs, that soothes, that delights, that transports the soul? At the prospect of the wide and deep ocean, or some huge mountain whose top is lost in the clouds, or of an old gloomy forest, are not our minds filled with a pleasing horror? Even in rocks and deserts is there not an agreeable wildness? How sincere a pleasure is it to behold the natural beauties of the earth! To preserve and renew our relish for them, is not the veil of night alternately drawn over her face, and doth she not change her dress with the seasons? How aptly are the elements disposed!” George Berkeley (1685–1753).  “Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous in Opposition to Sceptics and Atheists.”

"New Year Prayer" by A.B. Simpson

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"Lord, I would ask for a holy year;
Spent in Thy perfect will;
Help me to walk in Thy very steps--
Help me to please Thee still.

Lord, I would ask for a year of faith;
Give me Thy faith divine.
Taking my full inheritance,
Making Thy fullness mine.

Lord, I would ask for a year of love;
Oh, let me love Thee best!
Give me the love that faileth not
Under the hardest test.

Lord, I would ask for a busy year,
Filled up with service true;
Doing with all Thy Spirit's might
All that I find to do.

Lord, I would ask for a year of prayer--
Teach me to walk with Thee;
Breathe in my heart They Spirit's breath;
Pray Thou Thy prayer in me.

Lord, I would ask for a year of joy,
Thy peace, Thy joy divine,
Springing undimmed through all the days,
Whether of shade of shine.

Lord, I would ask for a year of hope,
Looking to Thee to come,
And hastening on that year of years,
That brings us Christ and Home."

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