A faith that shines by night and day Will lighten every earthly load. Grant us, O God, in love to thee-- Clear eyes to measure things below, Faith the invisible to see, And wisdom thee in all to know. Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt. --William Shakespeare. TRUST GUIDANCE, SAFETY, GLADNESS RESTING IN GOD Since thy Father's arm sustains thee, Peaceful be; When a chastening hand restrains thee, It is he. Know his love in full completeness Fills the measure of thy weakness; If He wound the spirit sore, Trust him more. Without murmur, uncomplaining, In His hand. Lay whatever things thou canst not Understand. Though the world thy folly spurneth, From thy faith in pity turneth, Peace thy inmost soul shall fill, Lying still. Like an infant, if thou thinkest Thou canst stand, Childlike, proudly pushing back The offered hand, Courage soon is changed to fear, Strength doth feebleness appear; In his love if thou abide, He will guide. Fearest sometimes that thy Father Hath forgot? When the clouds around thee gather, Doubt him not. Always hath the daylight broken; Always hath He comfort spoken; Better hath he been for years Than thy fears. Therefore, whatsoe'er betideth, Night or day, Know His love for thee provideth Good alway. Crown of sorrow gladly take; Grateful wear it for His sake; Sweetly bending to his will, Lying still. To his own thy Saviour giveth Daily strength. To each troubled soul that liveth, Peace at length. Weakest lambs have largest share Of the tender Shepherd's care; Ask him not the "When," or "How"; Only bow. --Charles Rudolf Hagenbach. I WILL TRUST I am glad to think I am not bound to make the world go right, But only to discover and to do With cheerful heart the work that God appoints. I will trust in him That he can hold his own; and I will take His will, above the work he sendeth me, To be my chiefest good. --Jean Ingelow. I KNOW NOT IF THE DARK OR BRIGHT I know not if the dark or bright Shall be my lot; If that wherein my hopes delight Be best or not. It may be mine to drag for years Toil's heavy chain; Or day and night my meat be tears, On bed of pain. Dear faces may surround my hearth With smiles and glee; Or I may dwell alone, and mirth Be strange to me. My bark is wafted to the strand By breath divine; And on the helm there rests a hand Other than mine.