GOD IN ALL | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 7, 1884

GOD IN ALL.

If each moment of pleasure and gladness That unto us mortals is given, Were not followed by sorrow and sadness, Then this earth might seem dearer than Heaven. If our joys were not followed by sorrow, If our woes did not shadow our bliss, We should not care for any to-morrow, But rest well contented with this.

If our hearts were but sure of each pleasure, If we saw not an end to each joy, We should lay not in Heaven our treasure, Where no rust can corrode or destroy. But there is not a joy without sadness, And there is not a bliss without pain, And the pattering footfall of gladness Lies close to the drip of the rain.

He knows what is best for us ever, Or whether 'tis laughter or woe, He leadeth our footsteps, that never Can stray if He bids them to go. The way may seem darksome and weary, And clouded and shadowed may be, But the heart, it can never be weary, If only it lean upon Thee.

So close when the sunshine is fuming, And closer when shadow shall fall, We follow Thy way without turning, And go where the Master may call. We answer thee, Lord, without pleading; Or whether by day or by night, Contented to follow thy leading, And knowing it endeth in light. —Selected.