In a memory of a happy day in february

Blessed be Thou for all the joy

My soul has felt to-day!

Oh, let its memory stay with me,

And never pass away!

I was alone, for those I loved

Were far away from me;

The sun shone on the withered grass,

The wind blew fresh and free.

Was it the smile of early spring

That made my bosom glow?

'Twas sweet; but neither sun nor wind

Could cheer my spirit so.

Was it some feeling of delight

All vague and undefined?

No; 'twas a rapture deep and strong,

Expanding in the mind.

Was it a sanguine view of life,

And all its transient bliss,

A hope of bright prosperity?

Oh, no! it was not this.

It was a glimpse of truth divine

Unto my spirit given,

Illumined by a ray of light

That shone direct from heaven.

I felt there was a God on high,

By whom all things were made;

I saw His wisdom and His power

In all his works displayed.

But most throughout the moral world,

I saw his glory shine;

I saw His wisdom infinite,

His mercy all divine.

Deep secrets of His providence,

In darkness long concealed,

Unto the vision of my soul

Were graciously revealed.

But while I wondered and adored

His Majesty divine,

I did not tremble at His power:

I felt that God was mine;

I knew that my Redeemer lived;

I did not fear to die;

Full sure that I should rise again

To immortality.

I longed to view that bliss divine,

Which eye hath never seen;

Like Moses, I would see His face

Without the veil between.