For The Anniversary Of The Hartford County Agricultural Society. 1826 Poem by John Gardiner Calkins Brainard

To Thee, O God, the Shepherd Kings
Their earliest homage paid
And wafted upon angel wings
Their worship was conveyed.

And they who 'watched their flocks by night,'
Were first to learn thy grace,—
Were first to seek by dawning light,
Their Saviour's dwelling-place.

The hills and vales, the woods and streams,
The fruits and flowers are thine;
Where'er the sun can send its beams,
Or the mild moon can shine.

By Thee, the Spring puts forth its leaves,
By Thee, comes down the rain,
By Thee, the yellow harvest sheaves
Stand ripening on the plain.

When Winter comes in storm and wrath,
Thy soothing voice is heard;
As round the Farmer's peaceful hearth
Is read Thy holy word.

Thus are we fostered by Thy care,
Supported by Thy hand;
Our heritage is rich and fair,
And this Thy chosen land.

Be Joseph yet a fruitful vine,
Whose branches leap the wall,
Make Thou its clusters ever Thine,
Jehovah, God of all.