Poems (Coolidge)/Sweet Counsel

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

SWEET COUNSEL

Sweet counsel! Oh, 'tis blessing rare,
A tender answer to their prayer,
When fainting hearts affection crave,
A love that from themselves shall save.

For counsel sweet brings high endeavor,
A courage that is daunted never;
As, hand in hand, we forward press,
The path is smoothed by tenderness.

Sweet counsel! As we talk of Him
Together, eyes with tears are dim;
On earth, in Bethany's repose,
He sought relief from bitter foes.

And when sweet counsel seems to end
In anguished partings from a friend.
A smile we yet may bravely wear,
We still His love together share.