Not in the loud and clamorous claims

Nor in incessant sound;

Not in storied sorrows shared

Nor trouble searched and found.

 

Not in self-pity, sad and true

Nor in great despair;

Not in calls for sympathy

Near or far or there.

 

No, only in a careful look

Inward and outward, too

Is Christ’s mind heard and understood

By such a man as you.

 

God heeds not frivolous plans;

He bears not stupid talk;

His will does not comport desires

In crooked ways to walk.

 

Where is His love? Oh it is there

But not in your design

It is unvarnished truth alone

That rules fullness of time.

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