The Eternal Goodness
I Know not what the future hath
Of marvel and surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.
No offering of my own I have,
Nor works by faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts He gave,
And plead His love for love.
And so beside the silent sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from Him can come to me,
On ocean or on shore.
I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond his love and care.
J. G. Whittier.