Hide not thy Face.

Hide not Thy face, - and though the road     Be dark and long and rough,     With cheerfulness I'll bear my load,     Thy smile will be enough.     All other helps I can forego,     If with Faith's eye I trace,     Through earthly clouds of grief and woe,     The presence of Thy face.     Hide not Thy face; - weak, worn and     Oppressed with doubt and fear;     Still will I utter no complaint, -     Content if Thou art near.     Thy loving hand my steps shall guide,     And set my doubts at rest;     In loving trust, whate'er betide,     For Thou, Lord, knowest best.     Hide not Thy face; - the tempter's wiles     Around my feet are spread;     The world's applause,-the wanton's smiles,     Beset the path I tread.     Alone, too weak to fight the host     Of Pleasure's vicious train,     'Tis then I need Thy succour most; -     Let me not seek in vain.     Hide not Thy face, but day by day,     Shine out more clearly bright;     Until this narrow, thorny way,     Shall end in Death's dark night.     Then freed from all the taints of sin,     Through Thine abundant Grace;     The crown of righteousness I win,     And see Thee face to face.