Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 88, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1902 — PRAYER OF THE REPUBLIC. [ARTICLE]

PRAYER OF THE REPUBLIC.

4 O Thou God that boldest nations in the hollow of Thy hand We implore anew Thy blessing on our loved, our native landl Far and wide our flag is waving over peoples old and new, Men that scarcely knew its symbols, red and white and starry blue. On the field of strife and carnage, strewn with wounded and with dead, Bathed in blood of dying heroes, waved a banner, flaming red! Tears of children, wives and mothers, waiting, watching day and night, Washed upon the flag of battle, stripes of peace in virgin white! Steadfast hearts for God and Country made a field of truest blue, And to guide a Nation’s footsteps, stars of light came shining through! Red for courage, honor, glory; white for justice, peace and love; Blue for faith and loyal virtue, stars for light from God above! In this sign we’ve lived and mountain, plain and trackless sea; Peaceful gains and warlike triumphs, all, O God, we owe to Thee! From a weak and struggling people, Thou hast raised us up to might; O Thou God of Hosts, we pray Thee, make our strength a shield of right! Thou hast built this great Republic, outflung over land and sea; Hold it ever in Thy keeping, sacred refuge of the free! "■*"* —Russel M. Seeds.