Monday, July 31, 2006

Lead kindly Light, lead Thou me on

Lead kindly Light - amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home -
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet, I do not ask to see
The distant scene, - one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will; remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on
O'er moor und fen, o'er crag and torrent, till the night is gone
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile."

(John Henry Newman, June 16th, 1833, in the Straits of Bonifacio.)