Catherine Winkworth (trans. & ed.) · 151 of 213

146. Seems it in my anguish lone

Songs of the Cross and Consolation

(Index of Tunes, LXXII.)

Tune.--"Christ will gather in His own."

Seems it in my anguish lone, As though God forsook His own, Yet I hold this knowledge fast, God will surely help at last.

Though awhile it be delay'd, He denieth not His aid; Though it come not oft with speed, It will surely come at need.

As a father not too soon Grants his child the long'd-for boon, So our God gives when He will; Wait His leisure and be still.

I can rest in thoughts of Him, When all courage else grows dim, For I know my soul shall prove His is more than father's love.

Would the powers of ill affright, I can smile at all their might; Or the cross be pressing sore, God, my God, lives evermore!

Man may hate me causelessly, Man may plot to ruin me, Foes my heart may pierce and rend; God in heaven is still my Friend.

Earth may all her gifts deny, Safe my treasure still on high, And if heaven at last be mine, All things else I can resign.

I renounce thee willingly, World, I hate what pleases thee, Baneful every gift of thine, Only be my God still mine.

Ah Lord, if but Thee I have, Nought of other good I crave, Bright is even death's dark road, If but Thou art there, my God.

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