When gathering clouds around I view,

When gathering clouds around I view,And days are dark and friends are few,On Him I lean who not in vainExperienced every human pain:He sees my wants, allays my fears,And counts and treasures up my tears.

If aught should tempt my soul to strayFrom heavenly wisdom's narrow way,To fly the good I would pursue,Or do the sin I would not do,Still, He who felt temptation's powerShall guard me in that dangerous hour.

If wounded love my bosom swell,Deceived by those I prized too well,He shall his pitying aid bestowWho felt on earth severer woe,—At once betrayed, denied, or fled,By those who shared his daily bread.

When sorrowing o'er some stone I bendWhich covers what was once a friend,And from his voice, his hand, his smile,Divides me for a little while,—Thou, Saviour, mark'st the tears I shed;For thou didst weep o'er Lazarus dead.