I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And to wipe the weeping eyes; And a heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathise. I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go. Wherever in the world I am, In whatsoe'er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts And a work of lowly love to do For the Lord on whom I wait. So I ask Thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied, And a mind to blend with outward life While keeping at Thy side; Content to fill a little space, If Thou be glorified. And if some things I do not ask, I would have my spirit filled the more More careful not to serve Thee much, But to please Thee perfectly. There are briers besetting every path, That call for patient care; There is a cross in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer; But a lowly heart that leans on Thee Is happy anywhere. In a service which Thy will appoints, There are no bonds for me; For my inmost heart is taught "the truth" That makes Thy children "free;" And a life of self-renouncing love, Is a life of liberty. II. "Thou maintainest my lot."-PSALM xvi. 5. SOURCE of my life's refreshing springs, If loving hearts were never lonely, If all they wish might always be, Accepting what they look for only, They might be glad but not in Thee. Well may Thy own beloved, who see Bear loss of all they love, save Thee, Their living, everlasting treasure. |