Ah, I know the once-roused yearning Shall not always grief remain ! He, Who set the spirit thirsting, Will at last relieve its pain. When it leaves this dreary desert For the blessed Eden Shore, Where Life's stream for ever floweth ;— Then shall all its thirst be o'er. "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD." ("DER HERR IST MEIN HIRT.") I KNOW Thy Voice, my Shepherd, O let me ever listen To the guiding of Thy Love; Thy rod and staff console me When all my courage leaves me, And my strength grows ever less, And succour in distress. Often the thought comes o'er me, Musing in sorrow lone, "What fate shall yet betide me, Ere night's dark shades are gone?" Then cometh sudden brightness, And my heart is glad again Awhile yet clouds will gather, Returning after rain. Often I sadly ponder On the Future's aspect drear; Its darkness haunts my spirit, And fills my soul with fear. Then speaks Thy Word, with healing, Consolingly to me :— Thus finds my heart contentment, And quiet rest in Thee. Full oft sin's wounds, though hidden, Arouse my bitter grief, Till Thou dost come to bind them, And bring my heart relief. I sink upon the journey, In weariness and pain: But Thou art near, to strengthen, Thou Giver of all blessing, My Shepherd! I would seek To follow Thee at all times; But I am faint and weak. O draw me on, and help me, When all my strength is gone! If Thou but carest for me, It may be but a moment Till the sorrow shall be past ; And Thou wilt lead me homeward, To the Father's House at last. Then shall Thy faithful guidance, In these painful earthly days, Throughout the long "For Ever" Be my song of thanks and praise. WORK IN THE LORD. (DIE ARBEIT IN DEM HERRN.) WHATE'ER thou doest in the Lord shall well succeed; The glory His-the blessing all for thee: He gives the right intention, and fulfils the deed. In great and small things, He will ever be Maker and Lord of all. With hearts in heaven above, And hands upon our work—thus shall it stable prove. There is no work so small before The Master's sight That He doth not stand by, His help to lend, That thou with joy the finished work may'st see: He knoweth how in quiet rest the heart to hold, And doth each loving action with His Blessing fill. |