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HIS PRESENCE

Whenever I am lonely
Or anxious or distressed;
Whenever earth seems only
A battlefield at best,
I hear a voice I know—
The words are sweet and low:
“My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest.”

When heavy cares encumber,
Temptations come to test;
When questions without number
Assail my troubled breast,
The voice rebukes my fears—
And oh, the message cheers!
“My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest.”

Whenever I am weary
And life hath little zest;
Whenever skies are dreary
And I am sore oppressed,
Again the voice is heard—
What comfort in each word:
“My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest.”

The clouds hang huge and leaden
Above the mountain’s crest;
The troops of Armageddon
Must soon be manifest.
I tremble at their tread,
But I am comforted—
“My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest.”

—Grace P. Bronaugh.

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— October 15, 1907 —