Henry Alford

Written On The Day Of General Thanksgiving, April 14, 1833

Surely, methinks, this Sabbath morn Some brighter sunshine should adorn Than Heaven vouchsafes on common days; And buds should burst, and all the throng Of busy warblers crowd their song To help the race of man to praise. But on its birth no sun hath shined; Ever the deep voice of the wind Sweepeth the tree--tops far and near: And on the branches not a bird As on past morning--tides, is heard, But all is winter--bound and drear. Yet this ungladsome sky may teach A lesson, and these winds may preach A sermon in the nation's ear; And souls not all unapt to learn Some dim forebodings may discern Of new disquietude and fear. Great God, with trembling we rejoice; The echo of thy warning voice Yet vibrates in the middle air: Not yet thy glittering sword of death Is peaceful laid within its sheath, Ready to strike, as now to spare.