1 I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.

2 And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear an untried pain,
The bruised reed He will not break,
But strengthen and sustain.

3 No offering of my own I have,
Nor works my faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts He gave,
And plead His love for love.

4 And so beside the Silent Sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from Him can come to me
On ocean or on shore.

5 I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.