Sweet is the solace of thy love,
My heavenly Friend, to me,
While through the hidden way of faith
I journey home with thee,
Learning by quiet thankfulness
As a dear child to be.
Though from the shadow of thy peace
My feet would often stray,
Thy mercy follows all my steps,
And will not turn away;
Yea, thou wilt comfort me at last
As none beneath thee may.
No other comforter I need
If thou, O Lord, be mine;
Thy rod will bring my spirit low,
Thy fire my heart refine,
And cause me pain that none may feel
By other love than thine.
Then in the secret of my soul,
Though hosts my peace invade,
Though through a waste and weary land
My lonely way be made,
Thou, even thou, wilt comfort me;
I need not be afraid.
O there is nothing in the world
To weigh against thy will;
Even the dark times I dread the most
Thy covenant fulfill;
And when the pleasant morning dawns
I find thee with me still.
Still in the solitary place
I would awhile abide.
Till with the solace of thy love
My soul is satisfied,
And all my hopes of happiness
Stay calmly at thy side.
On thy compassion I repose
In weakness and distress;
I will not ask for greater ease
Lest I should love thee less,
It is a blessed thing for me
To need thy tenderness.
--Anna Letitia Waring.