“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (I. Sam. vii., 12).
When our soul is much discouraged
By the roughness of the way,
And the cross we have to carry
Seemeth heavier every day.
When some cloud that overshadows
Hides our Master’s face from view;
Oh! it’s well then to remember
He has blessed us hitherto.
Looking back the long years over,
What a varied path! And yet,
All the way His hand hath led us,
Placed each hindrance we have met,
Given to us the pleasant places
Cheered us all the journey through;
Passing through the deepest waters,
He has blessed us hitherto.
Surely, then, our souls should trust Him,
Though the clouds be dark o’erhead;
We’ve a Friend that draweth closer,
When all other friends have fled.
When our pilgrimage is over,
And the gates we’re sweeping through,
We shall see with clearer vision
How He’s blessed us hitherto.
—L. OAKLEY.