Poems (Shipton)/Shrouded Blessings
SHROUDED BLESSINGS.
"I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight: these things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."—Isaiah xlii. 10.
Not only for the light of loving hearts That cheered my lonely life, I thank Thee, God; Not for my childhood's home, nor tearless eyes, Nor pleasant paths of peace my feet have trod; But that the idols, tenderly embraced By this weak heart, and falsely called mine own, Thou didst withdraw, that I in time might learn To lean upon Thy holy arm alone. For the sharp reed that pierced this feeble hand, For thorn-torn feet that Thou alone couldst see, For the deep fount of tears by Thee told o'er, I thank Thee, Lord. They brought me nearer Thee.