John Henry Newman


The Pillar of Cloud


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 pray'd 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 and 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.

At Sea, 16 June 1833




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