THE rivers issue from the hills,
And seek a downward course;
But, while descending to the sea,
They hasten to their source.
So God within the mountains hides
His counsels and decrees,
And treasures deep from mortal sight
His secret purposes.
As rivers through the valleys glide,
And cheer the smiling plains,
So God in mercy brings to pass
Whatever He ordains.
Clouds may conceal His purpose now,
And darkness veil His face;
But light will break triumphant through
To every child of grace.
His dealings soon shall all be told
In heaven’s eternal light,
And the full noon of bliss unfold
His counsels to my sight.
Then the wild storms that burst before
Upon my heaving breast,
Shall sink in death, and break no more
My everlasting rest.
Castleton, Derbyshire.
W. W