When darkness gathers round thy way
1
When darkness gathers round thy way,As fall the shades of even;No star, with its mild, cheering ray,To chase the gloom, our fears allay,—How sweet the light of heaven!
2
When toiling in the narrow way,By persecution driven,Beset with treacherous snares that layTo lead our wayward feet astray,How sweet the smiles of heaven!
3
When by earth's care and grief and woeThe anguished heart is riven,And bitter tears of sorrow flow,No soothing balm found here below,—How sweet the joy of heaven!
4
And when our pilgrimage is o'er,The blessed promise given;When, borne on angels' wings we soarTo meet the Saviour we adore,—How sweet the home in heaven!