I Know Not What the Future Hath

Representative Text

1 I know not what the future hath
of marvel or surprise;
I only know that life and death
God's mercy underlies.
I only know that life and death
God's mercy underlies.

2 And if my heart and flesh are weak
to bear an untried pain,
the frailest reed God will not break,
but strengthen and sustain.
The frailest reed God will not break,
but strengthen and sustain.

3 I know not where God's islands lift
their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
beyond God's love and care.
I only know I cannot drift
beyond God's love and care.


Source: Community of Christ Sings #246

Author: John Greenleaf Whittier

Whittier, John Greenleaf, the American Quaker poet, was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, Dec. 17, 1807. He began life as a farm-boy and shoemaker, and subsequently became a successful journalist, editor and poet. In 1828 he became editor of the American Manufacturer (Boston), in 1830 of the New England Review, and an 1836 (on becoming Secretary to the American Anti-Slavery Society) of the Pennsylvania Freeman. He was also for some time, beginning with 1847, the corresponding editor of the National Era. In 1840 he removed to Amesbury, Massachusetts, where most of his later works have been written. At the present time [1890] he lives alternately at Amesbury and Boston. His first poetical piece was printed in the Newburyport Free Press in 182… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: I know not what the future hath
Title: I Know Not What the Future Hath
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
Meter: 8.6.8.6
Place of Origin: United States
Language: English
Notes: Spanish translation: See "Lo que me trae el porvenir" by Barbara Mink
Copyright: Public Domain

Tune

GREEN HILL (Peace)


COOLING (Abbey)


BROTHER JAMES' AIR

BROTHER JAMES' AIR was composed by James Leith Macbeth Bain (b. Scotland, c. 1840; d. Liverpool, England, 1925), the healer, mystic, and poet known simply as Brother James. The tune was first published in his volume The great peace: being a New Year's greeting ... (1915). Born in a devout Christian…

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Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #2861
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Instances

Instances (1 - 4 of 4)
Text

Community of Christ Sings #246

Hymns of the Saints #126

TextScoreAudio

The Cyber Hymnal #2861

Text

Worship in Song #238

Include 37 pre-1979 instances
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