6. Hymn: I Do Not Ask, O Lord

I Do Not Ask, O Lord

Author: Adelaide A. Procter

1. I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be
    A pleasant road;
    I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me
    Aught of its load.

2. I do not ask that flowers should always spring
    Beneath my feet;
    I know too well the poison and the sting
    Of things too sweet.

3. For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead:
    Lead me aright
    Though strength should falter and though heart should bleed,
    Through peace to light.

4. I do not ask, O Lord, that Thou shouldst shed
    Full radiance here;
    Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread
    Without a fear.

5. I do not ask my cross to understand,
    My way to see;
    Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand,
    And follow Thee.

6. Joy is like restless day; but peace divine
    Like quiet night;
    Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine,
    Through peace to light.

2. Hymn: Fret Not, Poor Soul

Fret Not, Poor Soul

Author: Adelaide A. Procter

Fret not, poor soul: while doubt and fear  
Disturb thy breast,  
The pitying angels, who can see  
How vain thy wild regret must be,  
Say, Trust and Rest.   

Plan not, nor scheme,—but calmly wait;  
His choice is best.  
While blind and erring is thy sight,  
His wisdom sees and judges right,  
So Trust and Rest.   

Strive not, nor struggle: thy poor might  
Can never wrest  
The meanest thing to serve thy will;  
All power is His alone: Be still,  
And Trust and Rest.   

Desire not: self-love is strong  
Within thy breast;  
And yet He loves thee better still,  
So let Him do His loving will,  
And Trust and Rest.   

What dost thou fear? His wisdom reigns  
Supreme confessed;  
His power is infinite; His love  
Thy deepest, fondest dreams above;  
So Trust and Rest.