RESIGNATION.
I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number.—Job, v. 8, 9.
I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.—Psalm cxix. 75.
If, friendless, in a vale of tears I stray,
Where briars wound, and thorns perplex my way—
Still let my steady soul Thy goodness see,
And with strong confidence lay hold on Thee;
With equal eye my various lot receive,
Resigned to die, or resolute to live;
Prepared to kiss the sceptre or the rod,
While God is seen in all, and all in God.
Mrs. Barbauld.
Thou Power supreme! whose mighty scheme,
These woes of mine fulfil,
Here firm I rest; they must be best,
Because they are Thy will!
Then all I want, (O do Thou grant
This one request of mine!)
Since to enjoy Thou didst deny,
Assist me to resign.
Burns.
Luxury and pomp
Are but the splendid cover of distress
Rankling within; while conscience, ever gay,
And placid resignation to his lot,
Cheer the poor tattered pilgrim, and derive
A flavour to his casual homely meal,
The rich man’s laboured dainties cannot yield.
George Bally.
Yet is He there: beneath our eaves
Each sound His wakeful ear receives;
Hush idle words, and thoughts of ill,
Your Lord is listening; peace, be still.
Christ watches by a Christian’s hearth,
Be silent, vain, deluding mirth,
Till in thine altered voice be known,
Somewhat of resignation’s tone.
Keble.