Father, Take My Hand

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 12, 1864

"Father, Take My Hand."

THE way is dark, my Father! cloud on cloud Is gathering thickly o'er my head; and loud The thunders roar above me. See, I stand Like one bewildered! Father, take my hand, And through the gloom, lead safely home, Thy child.

The day goes fast, my Father! and the night Is drawing darkly down. My faithless sight Sees ghostly visions. Fears, a spectral hand, Encompass me. O father, take my hand, And from the night, lead up to light, Thy child.

The way is long, my Father! and my soul Longs for the rest and quiet of the goal; While yet I journey through this weary land, Keep me from wandering! Father, take my hand, Quickly and straight, lead to heaven's gate, Thy child.

The path is rough, my Father! many a thorn Has pierced me; and my weary feet, all torn And bleeding, mark the way. Yet Thy command Bids me press forward. Father, take my hand; Then, safe and blest, lead up to rest, Thy child.

The throng is great, my Father! many a doubt And fear, and danger compass me about; And foes oppress me sore. I cannot stand Or go alone. O Father, take my hand, And through the throng, lead safe along, Thy child.

The cross is heavy, Father! I have borne It long, and still do bear it. Let my worn And fainting spirit rise to that blest land Where crowns are given. Father, take my hand, And, reaching down, lead to the crown, Thy child.

The way is dark, my child, but leads to light; I would not always have thee walk by sight. My dealings now thou canst not understand. I meant it so; but I will take thy hand, And through the gloom, lead safely home my child.

The day goes fast, my child! but is the night Darker to me than day? In me is light. Keep close to me, and every spectral hand Of fears shall vanish. I will take thy hand, And through the night, lead up to light, my child.

The way is long, my child! but it shall be Not one step longer than is best for thee; And thou shalt know at last, when thou shalt stand Safe at the goal, how I did take thy hand, And quick and strait, lead to heaven's gate, my child.

The path is rough, my child! but O, how sweet Will be the rest for weary pilgrims meet, When thou shalt reach the borders of that land To which I lead thee as I take thy hand, And safe and blest, with me shall rest, my child.

The throng is great, my child! but at thy side Thy father walks, then be not terrified; For I am with thee, will thy foes command To let thee freely pass; wilt take thy hand, And through the throng, lead safe along, my child.

The cross is heavy, child! yet there was One Who bore a heavier for thee—My Son, My well-believed. For him beat thine, and stand With him at last, and from thy Father's hand, Thy cross laid down, receive a crown, my child.