“Through Life’s deep shadow, grief and pain,
Where none by me beloved remain,
I ever heard the echoing strain,
O serve the Lord with gladness.
In sorrow and in anguish cast,
When hope and joy away were passed,
It oft came sounding in the blast,
O serve the Lord with gladness.
But now I know the joy that stays,
The ever bright and sunny rays,
And soft and low I sing the praise,
O serve the Lord with gladness.”
_March 3, 1868._