Frederick Lucian Hosmer (1840–1929)

ONE thought I have, my ample creed,

So deep it is and broad,

And equal to my every need,—

It is the thought of God.

Each morn unfolds some fresh surprise,

I feast at life’s full board;

And rising in my inner skies

Shines forth the thought of God.

At night my gladness is my prayer;

I drop my daily load,

And every care is pillowed there

Upon the thought of God.

I ask not far before to see,

But take in trust my road;

Life, death, and immortality

Are in my thought of God.

To this their secret strength they owed

The martyr’s path who trod;

The fountains of their patience flowed

From out their thought of God.

Be still the light upon my way,

My pilgrim staff and rod,

My rest by night, my strength by day,

O blessèd thought of God!