Declension Lamented.

ONCE, O Lord, thy garden flourish'd. Ev'ry part looked gay and green; Then thy word our spirits nourish'd, Happy seasons we have seen!

But a drought has since succeeded, And a sad decline we see; Lord, thy help is greatly needed, Help can only come from thee.

Some, in whom we once delighted, We shall see no more below; Some, alas we fear are blighted — Scarce a single leaf they show.

Dearest Savior, hasten hither: Thou canst make them bloom again; Oh, permit them not to wither, Let not all our hopes be vain!