Classic Poem

There is a secret history,
Known only to a few,
Which the world's wisdom cannot learn,
And which it never knew; —

The history of heavenly grace,
Sown like a little seed
Within the soul, and bearing fruit
In thought and word and deed;

In self-annihilated will;
In passions all subdued;
In faith and hope and holy love,
And holiest gratitude.

Grant, Lord, that I this history
Within myself may see;
Then welcome joy, and welcome grief; —
Both are the same to me!