Poems (Hoffman)/The Paths of Peace
THE PATHS OF PEACE.
Perhaps God knew I was too frail to meetLife's rough storm tossing or its scorching heat,So He made smooth, quiet pathways for my feet,Where dewy roses bloomed and birds sang sweetBeside still waters, where rude tempests lull,And even sorrow seemeth beautiful.
No fierce, wild joy is mine, no stormy woe,Calmly He leads where quiet rivers flow;This is my life to-day, I cannot knowHow long 'twill last or why God wills it so;In these green pastures, through these quiet days,I'll tune my heart to incense sweet, and praise.
O loving kindness, broad, and deep, and wide!O mercy, scattered free on every side!O peace that every grief hath sanctified!Thou, Thou art God and Thou for man hast died!