THOU ART WITH ME by Frances E. Bolton

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 24, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 47.

THOU ART WITH ME.

By Frances E. Bolton

'Tis sorrow’s hour, yet have I cheer divine; Tho thick bereavements crowd this path of mine, And tho dark shadows dim the stars that shine, Yet have I solace from this word of thine, Thou art with me.

No fleeting phantom, nor a shadowy wraith, No transient sentiment of groundless faith, Not an emotion, gladdening while it stay’th; This comfort hath foundation. Thy Word saith Thou art with me.

'Twere easy in the pastures green to say: “My Shepherd’s with me in this pleasant way. Beside the waters cool I rest to-day. Because He leadeth, all my soul is May. Thou art with me.

Yet ’neath bright skies His form I dimly trace. The flowers stand up between me and His face, And half my cheer is in the green grown place, And I can sing, tho He steps on apace, Thou art with me.

But through the valley and the shadow’s gloom, Through rugged paths that have no hint of bloom, Ah, I must come still nearer, let no room Crowd me from Him, who bids me closer come! Thou art with me.

And this assurance to my soul is bloom, This comfort lighteth up the path of gloom. How sweet thy garments are with love’s perfume, Out of thy fragrant ivory palace room! Thou art with me.

I know Thy heart, Thou knowest mine. O love, Thy gentleness is tender as the dove!. And I’m made great by faith partaking of, And in this valley know the joys above. Thou art with me.

FRANCES E. BOLTON.