“If need be,” Lord! the spirit trembling cries,
In answer to Thy word.
Yet we would count upon the rich supplies
Thy grace will still afford.
‘Tis only for a “ little season”—then
All trial will be o’er;
The rolling waves will be forgotten—when
We reach the heavenly shore.
“If need be,” Yes! the wayward heart would cling,
To fleeting scenes of time;
Instead of soaring upward on the wing
Of faith to yonder clime,
Where winds and storms of earth can never come,
Or clouds o’ercast the skies;
Where Thou wilt take us to Thy Father’s homo.
And wipe our weeping eyes.
Lord! what the need?—O, make us fully know
Thy purposes of love;
Lowly beneath the chastening rod to bow,
Thy faithfulness to prove.
A loving Father’s hand would never strike
His child a needless blow.
Surely! the goodness and the rod alike
His love and wisdom show.
Lord, let Thy precious name be glorified
In every sorrow here,
And let Thy words of comfort be applied
To dry up every tear.
There is a bright inheritance on high,
For those who, bought by blood,
Would ever on Thy gracious care rely—
“Kept by the power of God.”
When troubles press, and all things dark appear.
In this sad scene of strife;
We look above, where we shall joyful wear
The glorious “Crown of Life,”
Promised to those who love Thee, and endure
According to Thy will.
Truly—such hope, so blest, and yet so sure,
Our waiting souls must fill!
“If need be,” Lord!
Again we trembling cry—
And yet with trustful gaze,
We ask that Thou wouldst guide us with Thine eye.
Wouldst lead us in Thy ways.
And, though the raging fire around us play,
Let it but burn the dross.
Our strength, by Thee, proportioned to our day,
We shall not suffer loss.
The “need be” past—the “little season” o’er—
And we shall see Thy face.
Thy weary ones will wander here no more,
But rest in Thine embrace.
We wait for Thee, Lord Jesus!—haste that day,
When Thou wilt meet Thy bride;
Wilt bear her on the glorious cloud away,
And seat her by Thy side.