The past hath been a journey through a way
Where thorns and flowers were mingled on the road;
With now the sunny, now the stormy day,
And oft in darkness we have made abode.
What mixed events the opening year may bring,
In vain we ponder—we can never tell;
But drear as winter, or as bright as spring,
If God but bless them they will all be well!
O Thou who art a Saviour and a Guide,
Kindly protect us on the lonely way;