373

 

For everything there is a season, and

a time for every purpose under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck

    up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to

    build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a

    time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to

    refrain from embracing;

a time to get, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

374

 

FIREMAN'S PRAYER

 

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage, give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

 

 

ROCK OF AGES

 

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee;

Let the water and the blood

From thy side a healing flood,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save from wrath, and make me pure.

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When mine eyelids close in death,

When I rise to worlds unknown,

And behold thee on thy throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee.

 

 

A FISHERMAN'S PRAYER

 

God grant that I may live

    to fish until my dying day!

And when it comes to my last cast,

    I then most humbly pray:

When in the Lord's safe landing net,

    and I'm peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I be judged

    As good enough to keep.

377

 

God hath not promised

    Skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways

    All our lives through.

God hath not promised

    Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow,

    Peace without pain.

But God hath promised

    Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor,

    Light for the way,

Grace for the trials,

    Help from above,

Unfailing sympathy,

    Undying love.