Poems (Angier)/Trials a Blessing

by Annie Lanman Angier

TRIALS A BLESSING.

In heart, as in footstep, we're tempted to stray
From the straight path to heaven, from wisdom's safe way;
And trials are blessings, which rightly improved
Will aid our return, though far we have roved;
The hand of a friend would sever our chain,
Earth's captives restoring to freedom again.

O! need is there none for these heart-gushing tears,
These watchings so wearing, these cankering fears;
Though tossed on life's billows, we safely repose,
For faith hath a charm that can banish all woes;
And He who bade order from chaos arise
Can bid on our darkness light stream from the skies.

When heavily laden with burdens and cares,
Like some gallant ship with its treasures and wares,

The soul may cast anchor on Him who once said
To the sea—Be thou calm; to the tempest—Be stayed.
Thus sweet shall our slumber be, tranquil our rest,
As an infant's first sleep on a fond mother's breast.

Be calm then, my spirit! Let murmuring cease.
There is One at the helm who will guide thee to peace;
His word the proud waves in their fury obey;
His voice through the storm whispers sweetly to-day—
No harm shall befall thee, thy bark is but driven
By tempests of earth to the haven of heaven.