Classic Poem

Is this the way my Father,
That Thou wouldst have me go—
Scaling the rugged mountain steep,
Or through the valley low?
Walking alone the path of life,
With timid, faltering feet;
Fighting with weak and failing heart,
Each conflict that I meet?

Nay! nay! my child, the Father saith,
Thou dost not walk alone—
Gird up the loins of thy weak faith,
And cease thy plaintive tone.
Look thou with unbeclouded eyes
To Calvary's gory scene—
Canst thou forget the Saviour's cries?
Go thou, on His mercy, lean.”

My Father, brighter grows the way,
Less toilsome is the road;
If Thou Thy countenance display,
O, lighter seems my load!
And trustingly I struggle on,
Not murmuring o'er my task;
The mists that gather soon are gone,
When in Thy smile I bask.

Turn not from me Thy smiling face,
Lest I shall surely stray,
But in Thy loving arms' embrace,
I cannot lose my way.
My Father when my faith is small,
And doubting fills my heart,
Thy tender mercy I recall.
O, let it ne'er depart!