Ofttimes I've paused,
Longing for joy, for happiness, for health,
Which seemed denied me.
Sorrow appeared my lot; unhappiness my portion.
Until, longing for peace, I said:
Grant me a vision of good.
My wish was granted. I beheld Love, radiant, fair.
With tenderness, she bade me look and see good
everywhere!
Could this be true? I cried aloud: O God,
Help me to know that all the woe, the agony
Which seems to be so real, is not the truth,
But an illusion, false, the mocking cheat
That would deceive the human race, and blind its
eyes
To all that Thou bestowest in Thy love
Upon each child of Thine.
The knowledge came in answer to my prayer,—
God everywhere, unfolding good to each receptive
thought;
No pain, no sickness for His child,
But tenderest love,
The loving care of Father-Mother God for His
beloved son,
Made in His image fair.
So take thy staff, O foolish one,
And speed thee on.
The victory is yours ere setting sun
Gilds yonder hills with light.
Be not afraid. Lo, Love itself is here
To guide, to strengthen, and to bless,
Till heaven is won and God, through His beloved son,
Is glorified.
