Not asking how or why,
Before thy will,
O Father, let my heart
Lie hushed and still!
Why should I seek to know?
Thou art all-wise;
If thou dost bid me go,
Let that suffice.
If thou dost bid me stay,
Make me content
In narrow bounds to dwell
Till life be spent.
If thou dost seal the lips
That fain would speak,
Let me be still till thou
The seal shalt break.
If thou dost make pale Pain
Thy minister,
Then let my patient heart
Clasp hands with her.
Or, if thou sendest Joy
To walk with me,
My Father, let her lead
Me nearer thee!
Teach me that Joy and Pain
Alike are thine;
Teach me my life to leave
In hands divine!