If Thou hide Thy Presence, Let me know no fear, But in woe still praise Thee Through the darkness drear. Would'st Thou, keenly chastening, Jesus, Whom I long for, Thine own Love's pure essence To my spirit give, That e'en in this earth-land, To Thy joy I live ; Till in Heaven I see Thee, Love Thee as mine own : Jesus, Whom I long for, Leave me not alone! THE WILL OF GOD. (“VÖLLIGE UEBERLASSUNG DER SEELE AN GOTTES WILLEN.) O WILL of God, all sweet and perfect; God's Will all bitterness can sweeten ;- When sin and evil powers assail me, O blessed, will-less, childlike spirit; O Will of God! my spirit's longing;- O Will, work in me thy good pleasure, Be joy or sadness here my portion, Lord, help to slay the self-life in me; That I my soul to Thee surrender, H WATCH AND PRAY. (WACHET UND BETET.) SLEEP not, O Soul by God awakened :- We wander here 'midst shadows only: Lay by each weight, and all that binds thee; Joys that thy soul's true joy would mar. Leave Self and Nature all behind thee: Be ever ready :— The Bridegroom comes-He is not far. Arise, and let us go to meet Him ; And leave all as it standeth here : Hear His own Summons in the Spirit! Rings forth that Summons loud and clear. Turn inwards-there thy soul shall find Him; And ever in the spirit pray, That of thy time and strength none rob thee. Thine Oil now gather! So shall it fail not in that day. Now, all for God! No semblance profits. Lord, fill us with Thine Oil of Love, To feed the flame of life's devotion ; And give us soul-light, Which nought in death can quench or move! Arouse our hearts Thyself, O Jesus, The pilgrim-course with might to run. Help us in watching, praying, dying; And never leave us, Until our course on Earth is done! |