That in the darkest spot of earth
Some love is found.

3 I thank Thee more that all our joy
Is touched with pain;

That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain;

So that earth's bliss

may be our guide

And not our chain.

4 For Thou, who knowest, Lord, how soon
Our weak heart clings,

Hast given us joys, tender and true,
Yet all with wings;

So that we see, gleaming on high,
Diviner things.

5 I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept The best in store;

We have enough, yet not too much
To long for more;

A yearning for a deeper peace

Not known before.

6 I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls, Though amply blest,

Can never find, although they seek,

A perfect rest—

Nor ever shall, until they lean

On Jesus' breast.

A. A. PROCTOR. 1860.

C.M.

1148 Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

1

John 14. 27.

HE world can neither give nor take,

THE

Nor can it comprehend,

The peace of God, which Christ has brought, The peace which knows no end.

2 The burning bush was not consumed
Whilst God remainèd there;

The three, when Jesus made the fourth,
Found fire as soft as air.

3 God's furnace doth in Zion stand
But Zion's God sits by,

As the refiner views his gold,
With an observant eye.

4 His thoughts are high, His love is wise,
His wounds a cure intend;

And, though He does not always smile,
He loves us to the end.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 1772.

10s.

1149 My peace I give unto you.—John 14. 27.

1

EACE, perfect peace-in this dark world of sin ?

PEACE

The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. 2 Peace, perfect peace-by thronging duties To do the will of Jesus, this is best. [pressed? 3 Peace, perfect peace-with sorrows surging round?

On Jesus' bosom nought but calm is found. 4 Peace, perfect peace-with loved ones far In Jesus' keeping we are safe and they. [away? 5 Peace, perfect peace-our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. 6 Peace, perfect peace-death shadowing us and ours ?

Jesus hath vanquished death and all its powers. 7 It is enough-earth's troubles soon shall cease; And Jesus calls us to heaven's perfect peace.

E. H. BICKERSTETH. 1876.

1150

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE:

PATIENCE AND SUBMISSION.

C.M.

Thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Ps. 73. 23.

1 OD, my supporter, and my hope,

GMy help for ever near,

Thine arm of mercy held me up
When sinking in despair.

2 Thy counsels, Lord, shall guide my feet
Through this dark wilderness;
Thy hand conduct me near Thy seat,
To dwell before Thy face.

3 Were I in heaven, without my God,
'Twould be no joy to me;

And whilst this earth is mine abode,
I long for none but Thee.

4 What if the springs of life were broke,
And flesh and heart should faint?
God is my soul's eternal Rock,

The strength of every saint.

5 Still to draw near to Thee, my God,
Shall be my sweet employ;

My tongue shall sound Thy works abroad,
And tell the world my joy.

8.6.

ISAAC WATTS. 1709.

1151 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Ps. 38. 22.

10 not far from me, O my Strength,

G Whom all my times obey;

Take from me anything Thou wilt,
But go not Thou away-
And let the storm that does Thy work
Deal with me as it may.

2 On Thy compassion I repose
In weakness and distress;
I will not ask for greater ease,

Lest I should love Thee less;
O 'tis a blessed thing for me
To need Thy tenderness!
3 Thy love has many a lighted path
No outward eye can trace;

And my heart sees Thee in the deep,
With darkness on its face,

And communes with Thee 'mid the storm,
As in a secret place.

4 When I am feeble as a child,

And flesh and heart give way,
Then on Thy everlasting strength
With passive trust I stay,

And the rough wind becomes a song,
The darkness shines like day.

5 There is no death for me to fear,

For Christ, my Lord, hath died;
There is no curse in this my pain,
For He was crucified;

And it is fellowship with Him
That keeps me near His side.

6 My heart is fixed, O God, my Strength,
My heart is strong to bear;

I will be joyful in Thy love,
And peaceful in Thy care.
Deal with me for my Saviour's sake,
According to His prayer.

A. L. WARING. 1850

1152

1

1I

10.4.

I am thy God, who teacheth thee to profit.
Isa. 48. 17.

may

DO not ask, O Lord, that life be
A pleasant road;

I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me

Aught of its load:

2 I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet;

I know too well the poison and the sting
Of things too sweet.

3 For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead, Lead me aright,

Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed,

Through peace to light.

4 I do not ask, O Lord, that Thou shouldst shed Full radiance here;

Give but a ray

of peace, that I may tread Without a fear.

5 I do not ask my cross to understand,
My way to see;

Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand,
And follow Thee.

6 Joy is like restless day; but

peace Divine Like quiet night:

Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine, Through peace to light.

1153

1

C.M.

A. A. PROCTOR. 1860.

The will of the Lord be done.-Acts 21. 14.
WORSHIP Thee, sweet will of God!
And all Thy ways adore,

And every day I live, I seem
To love Thee more and more.