Almighty GOD! when round thy shrine
The Palm-tree's heavenly branch we twine,
( Emblem of Life's eternal ray,
And Love that “fadeth not away,” )
We bless the flowers, expanded all,
We bless the leaves that never fall,
And trembling say,— “In Eden thus
“The Tree of Life may flower for us!”
When round thy Cherubs — smiling calm,
Without their flames — we wreathe the Palm.
Oh God! we feel the emblem true —
Thy Mercy is eternal too,
Those Cherubs, with their smiling eyes,
That crown of Palm which never dies,
Are but the types of Thee above —
Eternal Life, and Peace, and Love!