The road of God's commandments good I often have forsaken, And on the way that leads from God Am therefore overtaken By grief and smart, That pierce my heart; God's hand thus am I feeling, Who 'fore His throne To each his own Awards, in justice dealing. For just and true is God above, We fail His goodness telling, A mother's truth, a father's love Alike in him are dwelling. God's wrath, I ween, As oft hath been Ours, is not unrelenting. Men steel their heart, Refuse t' impart Grace e'en to the repenting. In sooth 'tis not the mind of God, His anger ever endeth, Return we, He removes the rod, And to the weary sendeth A sweet release, To mark doth cease, And visit our transgressing; His wrath He turns, And tow'rd us yearns, Gives after cursing blessing. And so the Lord will deal with me, And every one behold it, And vindicate the right will He, My cause, He will uphold it. Thy face so bright, Lord! to the light, From deepest pit will raise me, That ever I May heartily Thy truth exalt, and praise Thee. Rejoice not o'er me, then, my foes, I lie not here for ever, My God will come ere ye suppose, And speedily deliver. His holy hand Will make me stand, Firm and secure for ever; Good times to me And joy will He Give after stormy weather. I am in need, yet scarce can speak Of real need and sorrow; When God my Light is, day must break And bring a glorious morrow, E'en in the night, While yet the might Of darkness much increaseth, And when this Light Dawns on my sight, Whate'er oppresses ceaseth. The time will come, e'en now 'tis near, When I shall sing salvation, When he who lov'd to mock and jeer At me in tribulation, And bid me tell Where God doth dwell, Shall from God's face be driven With head cast down; To me a crown Of honour shall be given! FOR PATIENCE IN GREAT SORROW. Ah! faithful God, compass'nate heart, Whose goodness never endeth, I know this bitter cross and smart Thy hand it is that sendeth! Yea, Lord, I know this burden great Thou sendest not in wrath and hate, But 'tis in love appointed. That ever is Thy way all-wise, Thy child in woe must languish, Thou whom Thou lovest, dost chastise, 'Fore joy Thou sendest anguish, Sink'st us to hell, in woe we lie, And raisest us again on high, Thus with us fares it always.