DARK, dark the night, and tearfully I grope,
Lost in the Shadows, feeling for the way,
But cannot find it. Here's no help, no hope,
And God is very far off with His day.

Hush, hush, faint heart! why this may be thy chance,
When all is at the worst, to prove thy faith;
Be still, and see His great Deliverance,
And trust Him at the darkest unto Death.

Often upon the last brim ridge of war
God takes His stand to aid us in the fight;
He watches while we roll the tide afar,
And, beaten back, is near us with His might.

We hear the Arrows in the dark go by:
The cowering soul no longer soars or sings,
Or it might know His presence then most nigh,
Our darkness being the Shadow of His wings.

No need of faith if all were visibly clear!
'Tis for the trial-time its help was given;
Though clouds be thick, the Sun is just as near
That shines within and makes the heart heaven.

Amidst our wildest night of saddest woes,
When Earth is desolate—Heaven dark with doom,
There is a fire-flash of the soul that shows
The face of the Eternal through the gloom.