‘Tis not merely outward show
‘Tis not merely depth of feeling,
But in every act to know,
Truth and love we are revealing.
‘Tis at every step we take,
Every selfish wish denying;
Leaving all for Jesus’ sake,
On his arm alone relying.
‘Tis a warfare waged within:
Foes the battle-ground ne’er leaving:
Conquering some bosom sin,
Thou the victory art achieving.
‘Tis to smile and kiss the rod
By which all our griefs are heightened;
As we nearer draw to God,
More the heavy strokes are lightened.
Is a burden to be borne,
With thy brother joy to share it;
Is thy heart with anguish torn?
Then with patience nobly bear it.
‘Tis not when the skies are clear,
That our courage can be tested;
But when tempests hovered near,
How have we their fury breasted.
O ’tis not an empty name,
But the source of all true pleasure;
Through earth’s changing scenes the same,
And the Christian’s only treasure.
‘Tis not merely outward show,
‘Tis not merely depth of feeling,
But in every act to know,
Truth and love we are revealing.
