It was Thy will, my Father, 
  That laid Thy servant low; 
It was Thy hand, my Father, 
  That dealt the chastening blow; 
was Thy mercy bade me rest
  My weary soul awhile,
And every blessing I receive 
  Reflects Thy gracious smile. 

It is Thy care, my Father, 
  That cherishes me now; 
It is Thy peace, my Father, 
  That rests upon my brow; 
It is Thy truth, Thy truth alone, 
  That gives my spirit rest, 
And soothes me like a happy child
  Upon its mother's breast. 

I have known youth, my Father, 
  Bright as a summer's day, 
And earthly love, my Father, 
  But that too passed away; 
Now life's small taper faintly burns,
  A little flickering flame,
But Thine eternal love remains 
  Unchangeably the same.