When mind and body were borne down completely
And I have thought my efforts were all vain,
These words have come to me, so softly, sweetly,
And whispered hope, and urged me on again.
And though my labor seems all unavailing,
And all my strivings fruitless, yet the Lord
Doth treasure up each little seed I scatter,
And sometime, sometime, I shall reap reward.
1870
[TO THOSE WHO NEVER PRAY]
O! you who never bend the knee,
And never lift the heart,
How do you live from year to year,
And living, act your part.
How do you rise up in the morn,
And pass the whole day through,
Without the Saviour at your side
To guide and strengthen you.
How do you meet the daily ills
That try the temper so!
That fret the heart and wear the soul
More than some master woe.
How do you close your eyes and sleep,
And how your crosses bear;
(Each has a cross, or small, or large)
Without the aid of prayer?
How do you meet the mighty griefs,
That rush upon the soul,
Engulfing it in bitterness.
As angry waters roll?
How do you live at all, is one
Deep mystery to me.
Oh, you who never lift the heart
And never bend the knee.
1870