Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul Part 96

I blindly trust--since 'tis his will-- This way lies safety, that way ill.

He knoweth, too, despite my will I'm weak when I should be most strong.

And after earnest wrestling still I see the right yet do the wrong.

Is it that I may learn at length Not mine, but his, the saving strength?

His perfect plan I may not grasp, Yet I can trust Love Infinite, And with my feeble fingers clasp The hand which leads me into light.

My soul upon his errands goes, The end I know not--but G.o.d knows.

THE LORD'S LEADING

Thus far the Lord hath led us, in darkness and in day, Through all the varied stages of the narrow homeward way; Long since he took that journey--he trod that path alone; Its trials and its dangers full well himself hath known.

Thus far the Lord hath led us; the promise hath not failed.

The enemy, encountered oft, has never quite prevailed: The shield of faith has turned aside, or quenched each fiery dart, The Spirit's sword in weakest hands has forced him to depart.

Thus far the Lord hath led us; the waters have been high, But yet in pa.s.sing through them we felt that he was nigh.

A very present helper in trouble we have found, His comforts most abounded when our sorrows did abound.

Thus far the Lord hath led us; our need hath been supplied, And mercy hath encompa.s.sed us about on every side; Still falls the daily manna; the pure rock-fountains flow; And many flowers of love and hope along the wayside grow.

Thus far the Lord hath led us; and will he now forsake The feeble ones whom for his own it pleases him to take?

Oh, never, never! earthly friends may cold and faithless prove, But his is changeless pity and everlasting love.

Calmly we look behind us, our joys and sorrows past, We know that all is mercy now, and shall be well at last; Calmly we look before us; we fear no future ill, Enough for safety and for peace, if _Thou_ art with us still.

Yes, they that know thy name, Lord, shall put their trust in thee, While nothing in themselves but sin and helplessness they see.

The race thou hast appointed us with patience we can run, Thou wilt perform unto the end the work thou hast begun.

Have you found your life distasteful?

My life did and does smack sweet.

Was your youth of pleasure wasteful?

Mine I saved, and hold complete.

Do your joys with age diminish?

When mine fail me I'll complain.

Must in death your daylight finish?

My sun sets to rise again.

I find earth not gray, but rosy; Heaven not grim, but fair of hue.

Do I stoop? I pluck a posy; Do I stand and stare? All's blue.

--Robert Browning.

WE SHALL KNOW

In wise proportion does a fond hand mingle The sweet and bitter in our life-cup here; Each drop of either is by love eternal Poured forth in wisdom for his children dear.

The loving Father, as a wise physician, Knows what the wants of all those children are; Knows which is needed most--the joy or sorrow, The peace of comfort, or affliction's war.

Then, should the bitter be our daily portion, So that we cannot any sweet discern, Let us, in childlike faith, receive with meekness The needed tonic, and its lessons learn.

And if we cannot even that decipher, Let us be still, nay, thank him for his care, Contented that we soon shall know--hereafter-- When we the fullness of his presence share.

--Charlotte Murray.

THE STEPS OF FAITH

Know well, my soul, G.o.d's hand controls Whate'er thou fearest; Round him in calmest music rolls Whate'er thou hearest.

Nothing before, nothing behind; The steps of faith Fall on the seeming void, and find The rock beneath.

The Present, the Present is all thou hast For thy sure possessing; Like the patriarch's angel, hold it fast Till it gives its blessing.

--John Greenleaf Whittier.

I am of sinfulness and sorrows full!

Thou art the Mighty, Great, and Merciful!

How should we not be friends, or thou not save Me who bring naught to thee who all things gave?

--Edwin Arnold, from the Sanskrit.

MY GUIDE

I know not the way I am going, But well do I know my Guide!

With a childlike trust do I give my hand To the mighty Friend by my side; And the only thing that I say to him, As he takes it, is, "Hold it fast!

Suffer me not to lose the way, And lead me home at last."

As when some helpless wanderer Alone in some unknown land, Tells the guide his destined place of rest, And leaves all else in his hand; 'Tis home--'tis home that I wish to reach, He who guides me may choose the way; And little I care what path I take When nearer home each day.

THE LORD'S PROVISION

In some way or other the Lord will provide; It may not be _my_ way, it may not be _thy_ way; And yet in his _own_ way, "The Lord will provide."

At some time or other the Lord will provide; It may not be _my_ time, it may not be _thy_ time; And yet in his _own_ time, "The Lord will provide."

Despond, then, no longer, the Lord will provide.

And this be the token--no word he hath spoken Was ever yet broken: "The Lord will provide."

March on, then, right boldly; the sea shall divide; The pathway made glorious, with shoutings victorious We'll join in the chorus, "The Lord will provide."

--Mary Ann W. Cook.

It is faith, The feeling that there's G.o.d. He reigns and rules Out of this low world.