Classic Poem

I thank Thee, Lord, for mine unanswered prayers,
Unanswered save Thy quiet, kindly "Nay,"
Yet it seemed hard among my heavy cares
That bitter day.

I wanted joy; but Thou didst know for me
That sorrow was the gift I needed most,
And in its mystic depth I learned to see
The Holy Ghost.

I wanted health; but Thou didst bid me sound
The secret treasuries of pain,
And in the moans and groans my heart oft found
Thy Christ again.

I wanted wealth: 'twas not the better part,
There is a wealth with poverty oft given,
And thou didst teach me of the gold of heart,
Best gift of heaven.

I thank Thee, Lord, for these unanswered prayers,
And for Thy word, the quiet, kindly "Nay."
'Twas Thy withholding lightened all my cares
That blessed day.