EXPECTATION by Isaac Ogden Rankin

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 27, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 48.

EXPECTATION

By Isaac Ogden Rankin

[Isaac Ogden Rankin, in Christian Endeavor World.]

Never, tho years are lonely, need hearts be sad; For deeper than grief is the blessing that makes life glad; To peace that flows as a river is there anything deeper to add?

Tho the world is ever changing, yet all its changes tend, Under the love that leads us, on to a destined end, Where the worker shall find his task, and the friend shall hold his friend.

Nothing shall thwart God's purpose: nothing shall rob man's heart, In that ultimate joy of living, of his allotted part, Save faithless days, and cruel pride, and the tempter's hateful art.

To share in the children's mirth, to strengthen hearts that grieve, To give of the bounty of God, and with grateful love receive, To search with eager eyes, yet with quiet heart believe;

Unspoiled by love of earth, to count God's presence best, Yet taste life's pure delights with fresh, unwearied zest, This is the favor of God, that deepens on toward rest.

Welcome is mirth and singing, but ever the heart returns To the joy of its expectation, the peace it after discerns, Where the light of love for the creature in the face of the Maker burns.