The Eternal Goodness

 

 

I Know not what the future hath

Of marvel and surprise,

Assured alone that life and death

His mercy underlies.

 

No offering of my own I have,

Nor works by faith to prove;

I can but give the gifts He gave,

And plead His love for love.

 

And so beside the silent sea

I wait the muffled oar;

No harm from Him can come to me,

On ocean or on shore.

 

I know not where His islands lift

Their fronded palms in air;

I only know I cannot drift

Beyond his love and care.

 

 

 

 

J. G. Whittier.