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,
Fit me for Thy bride ;-

Jesus, Whom I long for,
Close with me abide!

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;
The spirit's calm, unbroken rest;
My Anchor-Ground, and Living Fortress ;-
I flee for safety to Thy breast!

God's Will all bitterness can sweeten ;-
All things make good that He doth send.
Without this Will, Earth's best enjoyments
No gladness to the soul can lend.

When sin and evil powers assail me,
I think, ""Tis ordered by His Will:
He will give strength and sure protection ;"
Thus rests my heart content and still.

O blessed, will-less, childlike spirit;
True Angel-bliss of Fatherland!
My heart's desires I all surrender :—
There lies my soul in God's own Hand.

O Will of God! my spirit's longing;-
My food in pain and misery :-
O Will of God, enchain me wholly !
So shall my will rest pure and free.

O Will, work in me thy good pleasure,
Through Time, and in Eternity:

Be joy or sadness here my portion,
All bliss is mine, in loving thee!

Lord, help to slay the self-life in me;
The bitter Nature-powers that strive :

That I my soul to Thee surrender,
And to Thy Will for ever live!

H

WATCH AND PRAY.

(WACHET UND BETET.)

SLEEP not, O Soul by God awakened :-
Eternity's loud call obey.

We wander here 'midst shadows only:
What are we dreaming?
Why loiter we upon our way?

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!
To the pure-hearted

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!