Earlyon the settlers expressed their thanksgiving for the evidence of God’s goodprovidence in their lives. Despiteall the hardships they faced, they recognized the peculiar opportunity they hadbeen afforded. Thus, theyoutwardly affirmed their fealty to God and His ways.
This verse by the renowned historical epic poet, Hezekiah Butterworth, captures thatpredisposition toward gratitude in early Boston.
“Praise ye the Lord!” The Psalm today
Stillrises on our ears,
Borne from the hills of Boston Bay
Throughfive times fifty years,
When Wintrop’s fleet from Yarmouth crept
Outto the open main,
And through the widening waters swept,
InApril sun and rain.
“Pray to the Lord with ferventlips,”
Theleader shouted, “pray”;
And prayer arose from all the ships
Asfaded Yarmouth Bay.
They passed the Scilly Isles that day,
AndMay-days came, and June,
And trice upon the ocean lay
Thefull orb of the moon.
And as that day, on Yarmouth Bay,
EreEngland sunk from view,
While yet the rippling Solent lay
InApril skies of blue.
“Pray to the Lord with ferventlips,”
Eachmorn was shouted, “pray”;
And prayer arose from all the ships,
Asfirst in Yarmouth Bay;
Blew warm the breeze o’er Western seas,
ThroughMaytime morns, and June,
Till hailed these souls the Isles ofShoals,
Low’neath the summer moon;
And as Cape Ann arose to view,
AndNorman’s Woe they passed,
The wood-doves came the white miststhrough,
Andcircled round each mast.
“Pray to the Lord with ferventlips,”
Thencalled the leader, “pray”;
And prayer arose from all the ships,
Asfirst in Yarmouth Bay.
Above the sea the hill-tops fair;
God’stowers–began to rise,
And odors rare breathe through the air,
Likebalms of Paradise.
Through burning skies the ospreys flew,
Andnear the pine-cooled shores
Danced airy boat and thin canoe,
Toflash of sunlit oars.
“Pray to the Lord with ferventlips,”
Theleader shouted, “pray!”
Then prayer arose, and all the ships
Sailedin Boston Bay.
The whit wings folded, anchors down,
Thesea-worn fleet in line,
Fair rose the hills where Boston town
Shouldrise from clouds of pine:
Fair was the harbor, summit-walled,
Andplacid lay the sea.
“Praise ye the Lord,” theleader called;
Praiseye the Lord,” spake he.
“Give thanks to God with ferventlips,
Givethanks to God today,”
The anthem rose from all the ships,
Safemoored in Boston Bay.
