Why should I, in vain repining,

Mourn the clouds that cross my way;

Since my Saviour’s presence, shining,

Turns my darkness into day?

2 Earthly honor, earthly treasure,

All the warmest passions win,

And the silken wings of pleasure

Only waft us on to sin.

3 But, within the vale of sorrow,

All with tempests overblown,

Purer light and joy we borrow

From the face of God alone.

4 Welcome, then, each darker token!

Mercy sent it from above!

So the heart, subdued, not broken,

Bends in fear, and melts with love.