Exodus x: 21–23

WHEN Israel dwelt in Egypt’s land,

And groan’d beneath the tyrant’s pow’r,

O Lord, ’twas Thine Almighty hand

Sustain’d him thro’ that dreary hour.

When all the air at noon of day

Was filled with gloom “which might be felt,”

Thy smile was still a cheerful ray

In every tent where Israel dwelt.

And thus, O Lord, the faithful heart

Believes that it will ever be;

Thy love, we know, will ne’er depart

From those who truly trust in Thee.

When all the world grows dark through sin,

With them Thy smile will still be found;

Diffusing joy and peace within,

While all seems dark and cheerless round!