66
L. M.
God ever near.
O love divine, that stooped to share
Our sharpest pang, our bitterest tear,
On thee is cast each earth-born care,
We smile at pain while thou art near!
2 Though long the weary way we tread,
And sorrow crown each lingering year,
No path we shun, no darkness dread,
Our hearts still whispering thou art near!
3 When drooping pleasure turns to grief,
And trembling faith is changed to fear,
The murmuring wind, the quivering leaf,
Shall softly tell us, thou art near!
4 On thee we fling our burdening woe,
O love divine, for ever dear,
Content to suffer while we know,
Living and dying, thou art near!
O. W. Holmes.