TAKE Thine own way with me, blest Lord," I said,
Kneeling in prayer at midnight by my bed;
And then upon my heart there fell deep dread.

What if He take me at my word, and lead
Into the wilderness, from verdant mead
And pastures green in which His flocks do feed ?

What if His way winds o'er the desert sands,
A road of pain and loss, through sun-scorched lands,
Where not a palm with grateful shadow stands ?

A whisper came :Not loss; there may be pain,
But al His dealings must be to their gain
Who are His own."My trust surged back again.

"To shaded Elim He doth lead."Once more
Peace swept upon my soul, as on the shore
A noiseless summer-tide. The dread passed o'er.

I spake the words again, and faith said" Yes;
The Father's loving hands can only bless,-
God for His own hath naught but tenderness !"

October 1886