I ask'd for grace to lift me high

I ask'd for grace to lift me high,
Above the world's depressing cares;
God sent me sorrows; — with a sigh
I said, He has not heard my prayers.

I ask'd for light, that I might see
My path along life's thorny road,
But clouds and darkness shadow'd me
When I expected light from God.

I ask'd for peace, that I might rest
To think my sacred duties o'er,
When lo! such horrors fill'd my breast
As I had never felt before.

And O, I cried, can this be prayer
Whose plaints the stedfast mountains move?
Can this be Heaven's prevailing care, —
And, O my God, is this Thy love?

But soon I found that sorrow, worn
As Duty's garment, strength supplies,
And out of darkness meekly borne
Unto the righteous light doth rise.

And soon I found that fears, which stirr'd
My startled soul God's will to do,
On me more real peace conferr'd
Than in life's calm I ever knew.

Then, Lord, in Thy mysterious ways
Lead my dependent spirit on,
And, whensoe'er it kneels and prays,
Teach it to say, — " Thy will be done."

Let its one thought, one hope, one prayer
Thine image seek — Thy glory see;
Let every other wish and care,
Be left confidingly to Thee!