1 In the secret of His presence,
How my soul delights to hide.
O how precious are the lessons
Which I learn at Jesus’ side.
Earthly cares can never vex me,
Neither trials lay me low;
For when Satan comes to tempt me,
To the secret place I go.

2 When my soul is faint and thirsty,
’Neath the shadow of His wing
There is cool and pleasant shelter
And a fresh and crystal spring;
And my Savior rests beside me
As we hold communion sweet:
If I tried, I could not utter
What He says when thus we meet.

3 Only this I know: I tell Him
All my doubts, my griefs, my fears;
O how patiently He listens
And my drooping soul He cheers:
Do you think He ne’er reproves me?
What a false friend He would be,
If He never, never told me
Of the sins which He must see.

4 Would you like to know the sweetness
Of the secret of the Lord?
Go and hide beneath His shadow:
This shall then be your reward;
And whene’er you leave the silence
Of that happy meeting place,
You must mind and bear the image
Of the Master in your face.