16. Hymn: Tunnel

Hymn: Tunnel

Author: Unknown

Often darkness fills the pathway of the pilgrim’s onward track,
And we shrink from going forward—trembling, feel like going back:
But the Lord, Who plans so wisely, leads us on both day and night,
Till at last, in silent wonder, we rejoice in Wisdom’s light.

Though the tunnel may be tedious through the narrow, darkened way,
Yet it amply serves its purpose—soon it brings the light of day:
And the way so greatly dreaded, as we backward take a glance,
Shows the skill of careful planning: never the result of chance!

Is your present path a tunnel, does the darkness bring you fear?
To the upright, oh, remember, He doth cause a light to cheer.
Press on bravely, resting calmly, though a way you dimly see,
Till, at length, so safely guided, you emerge triumphantly.

Trust the Engineer Eternal; surely all His works are right;
Though we cannot always trace them, faith will turn at last to sight:
Then no more the deepening shadows of the dark and dismal way;
There, for ever in clear sunlight, we’ll enjoy "The perfect day."