IF WE COULD SEE by Fannie Bolton

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 21, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 41.

IF WE COULD SEE.

By Fannie Bolton

BY FANNIE BOLTON.

If we could see the path where we are led, Though it seem rough and thorny to our feet, And know as God knows all, how comforted Would be our hearts, knowing God's will is sweet! If we could rise above the path of grief, And see as God sees, we should choose as he, And take the path that he has given, if We knew it all, if we could only see.

If we could only see, we would not go Mourning toward Zion, though the path might be A path of thorn, and filled with many a woe, We would go singing, if we could but see. We'd lift life's burden with a brave delight, And know our cross was love's own cross, and be Happy in God, knowing his plans were right, If only we could know it all and see.

For we should see the Master in the way Holding our hand, and leading every step; We would not murmur, pull from him, and say, "We've only cause to weep as we have wept." Oh no, the thorns would suddenly have bloom, And our hard cross would suddenly grow light; For Jesus' presence would dispel our gloom, And joyful lips would say, "Praise God, 'tis right."

But we may see, aye, see by faith the path, And we may hear the Master's voice to-day, And we may know the love for us he hath, And we may feel his presence in the way, And we may choose with him the path of grief, And yield our will, and find God's joy relief; Yes, we may see and sing in sorrow, if We will but see with hearts that do believe.

For here's his word, he doth not willingly Afflict our souls and grieve the sons of men. He hath a path divine to choose for thee, Whereby to lead to heaven's joys again. The furnace is not made to burn away The gold of life, but to consume the dross, And now thou mayst behold by faith to-day The gain of what has seemed but bitter'st loss.

Like as a father pities, so doth God; He hears thee on his heart continually, And if thou art smitten with some chastening rod, Oh, thou wouldst choose it too if thou couldst see; For if thy wound be probed, it is the hand Of the Physician does it to relieve Of some corruption, and thou'lt understand His love to thee in this if thou'lt believe.

O soul bless God, who dealeth lovingly, Answering thy selfish prayers by firm denial. O soul bless God that he doth choose for thee The path of suffering and of fiery trial. 'Tis love most true, and 'twill be sweet and real When thou hast answered "yes" to all his plan, And let him shape thy soul to his ideal, And make thee like him, pure and meek and grand.

Then thou wilt nestle to his heart as one His mother comforteth, and see the stroke His heart bears for thee, suffering to atone For thy rebellion when his dear heart broke. And thy grief will be grief not for thy woe, But for his grief, and he will comfort thee, And say, "Weep not, oh, mourn not, weep not so; I knew thou'dst choose this path if thou couldst see."

Then faith sees, yes, and, oh, how beautiful Is that dark path illumined by his love! And souls that see by faith grow dutiful, And meekly walk beside his feet, and of The Master learn, and see before Heaven's glory, Christ alone in majesty, And sing and praise in rapture, and adore, And choose the path that by faith's eye they see.