In wise proportion does a fond hand mingle
The sweet and bitter in our life-cup here;
Each drop of either is by love eternal
Poured forth in wisdom for his children dear.
The loving Father, as a wise physician,
Knows what the wants of all those children are;
Knows which is needed most--the joy or sorrow,
The peace of comfort, or affliction's war.
Then, should the bitter be our daily portion,
So that we cannot any sweet discern,
Let us, in childlike faith, receive with meekness
The needed tonic, and its lessons learn.
And if we cannot even that decipher,
Let us be still, nay, thank him for his care,
Contented that we soon shall know--hereafter--
When we the fullness of his presence share.
--Charlotte Murray.