Never Despair

Despair thou not. What though the hours have laid
     Heavily on thy spirit, and the sun
     Hath dimly looked through clouds thy path upon,
And of thy life each era hath been made
A weariness? Still let thy soul be staid,—
     Though sorrow trouble, and disease alarm,
     And sin perplex,—on HIM whose outstretched arm
Is mighty to deliver! He will aid
     The feeblest spirit that in faith uplifts
A cry for succor. If thy heart despond,
Think of the glorious rest this life beyond,
     And pray to Him who giveth perfect gifts—
So shall the shadows which now veil the sky
Disperse, and give Heaven’s glories to thine eye!