1 Lord how mysterious are thy ways!
How blind are we, how mean our praise!
Thy steps can mortal eyes explore!
Tis ours to wonder and adore!

2 Thy deep decrees from creature sight
Are hid in shades of awful night;
Amid, the lines, with curious eye,
Nor angels-minds presume to pry.

3 Great God! I would not ask to see
What in futurity shall be;
If light and bliss attend my days,
Then let my future hours be praise.

4 Is darkness and distress my share?
Then let me trust thy guardian care
Enough for me, if love divine
At length thro' every cloud shall shine.

5 Yet this my soul desires to know,
Be this my only wish below;
That Christ is mine this great request
Grant, bounteous God; and I am blest.