PATIENCE by Mrs. L. D. A. Stuttle

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 29, 1877

PATIENCE

By Mrs. L. D. A. Stuttle

I'll pray for patience at the early dawn, When darkness flies before the coming day, While all the earth is wrapped in holy calm, Before my Maker will I kneel and pray, And plead for patience; for I do not know What thorns and brambles in my path may grow, What jagged rocks their shadows dark may throw.

I'll pray for patience when the glowing sun Has slowly reached his midday throne on high, When heart and brain are groaning 'neath their load, I'll seek my closet, and with earnest cry I'll ask His guidance, lest I sink and fall. As I behold earth's sweetness turn to gall, I'll plead for patience to endure it all.

I'll pray for patience when the clouds at eve Are painted crimson by the setting sun, When shadows lengthen o'er the dark'ning land, And glittering stars come slowly, one by one. I'll plead for patience, for the night is near; How do I know but anguish, pain, or fear May bow me low before the morn appear?

I'll ask for patience when the long, long night Shall come at last, and all is dark and dread, When o'er my soul there comes no ray of light, And clouds hang black and threat'ning o'er my head. With all my pulses throbbing, sick and sore, When I seem drifting farther from the shore, I'll pray for patience till the night is o'er.

I'll pray for patience when the chilling hand Of deep affliction on my soul is laid, When Death's dark angel claims the flowers I love, And lays them low beneath the silent shade; I'll brush the teardrops from my eyes away, And calmly bow beside the sleeping clay, For patience and submission kneel and pray.

I'll pray for patience when the petty cares Of daily life shall gall my weary heart, When small temptations take me unawares, And little thorns shall cause the stinging smart. What though my spirit may be sick and sore? I will remember that my Saviour wore A crown of thorns; and I will grieve no more.

I'll pray for patience when the world shall frown, And those I love shall coldly turn aside. How do I know but 'tis the Master's plan To rid my spirit of its foolish pride? Before my God I'll humbly bow and pray, For grace and patience, all along the way, Till dawns at length the blest eternal day.

MRS. L. D. A. STUTTLE.

Vernon, Shiawassee Co., Mich.