Long plunged in sorrow, I resign

Long plunged in sorrow

I resign

My soul to that dear hand of Thine

Without reserve or fear;

That hand shall wipe my streaming eyes

Or into smiles of glad surprise

Transform the falling tear.

Adieu! ye vain delights of earth;

Insipid sports

and childish mirth

I taste no sweets in you;

Unknown delights are in the cross

All joy beside to me is dross;

And Jesus thought so too.

The Cross! O ravishment and bliss—

How grateful e’en its anguish is;

Its bitterness how sweet!

There every sense

and all the mind

In all her faculties refined

Taste happiness complete.

Self-love no grace in sorrow sees

Consults her own peculiar ease:

’Tis all the bliss she knows;

But nobler aims true love employ.

In self-denial is her joy

In suffering her repose.

Thy choice and mine shall be the same

Inspirer of that holy flame

Which must forever blaze!

To take the cross and follow Thee

Where love and duty lead

shall be

My portion and my praise.