CONTENTMENT

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 26, 1875

Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me, And the changes that will surely come I do not fear to see; I ask thee for a patient mind, Intent on pleasing thee.

I ask thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smile, And wipe the weeping eyes, And a heart, at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless way That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go.

Wherever in this world I am, In whatsoever estate, I have a fellowship with hearts To keep and cultivate, And a work of lowly love to do, For the Lord on whom I wait.

So I ask thee for the daily strength— To none that ask denied— And a heart to blend with outward life, While keeping at thy side, Content to fill a little space, If thou be glorified.

There are briers besetting every path, Which call for constant care; There is a cross in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer; But a lowly heart that leans on thee Is happy everywhere.

In a service which thy love appoints, There are no bonds for me, For my secret heart, has learned the truth Which makes thy children free, And a life of self-renouncing love Is a life of liberty.