By A Collection of Hymns

      7 6, 7 6, 7 6, 7 6.
      1 SOMETIMES a light surprises
      The Christian while he sings:
      It is the Lord who rises
      With healing in his wings.
      When comforts are declining,
      He grants the soul again
      A season of clear shining,
      To cheer it after rain.

      2 In holy contemplation,
      We sweetly then pursue
      The theme of God's salvation,
      And find it ever new.
      Set free from present sorrow
      We cheerfully can say,
      E'en let the unknown to-morrow
      Bring with it what it may:

      3 It can bring with it nothing
      But he will bear us through:
      Who gives the lilies clothing
      Will clothe his people too:
      Beneath the spreading heavens
      No creature but is fed;
      And he who feeds the ravens
      Will give his children bread.

      4 Though vine nor fig-tree neither
      Their wonted fruit should bear,
      Though all the field should wither,
      Nor flocks, nor herds be there,
      Yet, God the same abiding,
      His praise shall tune my voice;
      For, while in him confiding,
      I cannot but rejoice.