God knows--not I--the devious way Wherein my faltering feet may tread, Before into the light of day, My steps from out this gloom are led, And, since my Lord the path doth see, What matter if 'tis hid from me? God knows--not I--how sweet accord Shall grow at length from out this clash Of earthly discords which have jarred On soul and sense; I hear the crash, Yet feel and know that on his ear Breaks harmony--full, deep, and clear. God knows--not I--why, when I'd fain Have walked in pastures green and fair, The path he pointed me hath lain Through rocky deserts, bleak and bare. 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 God 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 passing 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 encompassed 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.