Poem by Rev. John F. Chaplain — He Leadeth Me

 In pastures green? Not always; sometimes He

   Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me

In many ways where heavy shadows be.

   Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright ---

Out of the sunshine into the darkest night.

   I oft would faint with sorrow and affright,

Only for this --- I know He holds my hand;

   So whether in the green or desert land

I trust although I may not understand.

And by still waters? No, not always so;

   Ofttimes the heavy tempest round me blow,

And o’er my soul the waters and billows go

   But when the storms beat loudest and I cry

Around for help, the Master standeth by

   And whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I”

Above the tempest wild I hear Him say,

   “Beyond the darkness lies a perfect day.

In every path of thine I lead the way.”

So whether on the hilltops high and fair

   I dwell, or in the sunless valleys where

The shadows lie --- what matters? He is there.

   So where He leads me, I can safely go,

And in the blest hereafter I shall know

   Why in His wisdom, He hath led me so.