Sarah Williams (“Sadie”) (1841–1868)

(From “Responses”)

GOOD Lord, no strength I have, nor need;

Within Thy light I lie,

And grow like herb in sunny place,

While outer storms go by.

Thy pleasant rain my soul doth feed—

Thy love like summer rain;

I faint, but lo thy winds of grace

Revive my soul again.

I fain would give some perfume out,

Some bruisèd scent of myrrh;

But Thou art close at hand, my Lord—

I need not strive nor stir.

I cannot fear, and need not doubt,

Though I be weak and low:

If Thou didst will, a mighty sword

From out my stem should grow.

Thou hast Thy glorious forest trees,

Thy things of worth and power;

But it may be Thy plan were marred

Had I ne’er lived a flower.

Thy promise, like an evening breeze,

Doth fold my leaves in sleep;

Who trusts, the Lord will surely guard,

Who loves, the Lord will keep.