3 When joy no longer soothes or cheers, And e'en the hope that threw A moment's sparkle o'er our tears Is dimmed and vanished too; 4 O, who would bear life's stormy doom, Did not thy wing of love Come, brightly wafting through the gloom Our peace-branch from above? 5 Then sorrow touched by thee grows bright, With more than rapture's ray; The darkness shows us worlds of light We never saw by day. 633. C. M. Drummond. "God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble." 1 Bereft of all, when hopeless care Would sink us to the tomb, O what can save us from despair? What dissipate the gloom? 2 No balm that earthly plants distil Can soothe the mourner's smart; No mortal hand with lenient skill Bind up the broken heart. 3 But One alone, who reigns above, Our woe to peace can turn, And light the lamp of joy and love That long has ceased to burn. 4 Then, O my soul, to that One flee, To God thy woes reveal; His eye alone thy wounds can see, His hand alone can heal. 634. L. M. Montgomery. The Same. 1 God is our refuge and defence, In trouble our unfailing aid; Secure in his omnipotence, What foe can make our soul afraid? 2 Yea, though the earth's foundations rock, And mountains down the gulf be hurled, His people smile amid the shock, They look beyond this transient world. 3 There is a river pure and bright, Whose streams make glad the heavenly plains, Where, in eternity of light, The city of our God remains. 4 Built by the word of his command, With his unclouded presence blessed, Firm as his throne the bulwarks stand; There is our home, our hope, our rest. 635. C. M. Anonymous. Trust amid the Severities of God. 1 Thou Power supreme, whose mighty scheme These woes of mine fulfil, Here, firm, I rest; they must be best, Because they are thy will. 2 Then all I want,--O do thou grant This one request of mine,-- Since to enjoy thou dost deny, Assist me to resign. RELIGIOUS EXULTATION. 636. 7s. & 6s. M. Montgomery. Confidence in God. Ps. 27. 1 God is my strong salvation; What foe have I to fear? In darkness and temptation My Light, my Help, is near. Though hosts encamp around me, Firm to the fight I stand; What terror can confound me With God at my right hand? 2 Place on the Lord reliance; My soul, with courage wait; His truth be thine affiance, When faint and desolate; His might thine heart shall strengthen; His love thy joy increase; Mercy thy days shall lengthen; The Lord will give thee peace. 637. S. M. Moravian. Reliance on God.