Sometimes, like Ephraim We trust an arm of flesh; But then again, must examine Our way, once more, afresh.

Our soul in darkness lost Gropes for what light it can; We must again count up the cost For which the Savior ran.

Our goodness, as a cloud Does quickly fade away; Moments of earthly joy we crowd, Not long with us they stay.

Our Sin, before our face, The Lord His face then hides; No longer do we feel His Grace, When then, He seems to chide.

When our affliction’s weight With our conscience agrees, Increase our fears, instead abate, Which to His throne then carries;

Return again, we must To seek His face once more; The world’s old vanities to trust Can’t give like Jesus’ store.

God, Who prepares the heart As the ground that swells the seed; To our souls must also impart What is our daily need.

Former rain Fall did bring In Palestine, you see; And Latter rain fell in the Spring Through God’s own Agency.

To every child of grace There is a time of Love; From early life then many trace This blessing from above.

So the seed, when it’s sown Upon the ground that’s tilled; Jesus’ Love to us is first shown -When rain the furrows filled.

The young blade then springs forth From soil that’s moist and warm; Appears in green and luxurious growth, A wonder of transform.

But the months lie ahead That toughens this small growth; The winter’s cold and blastful dread And threat of freeze from both.

The cold may freeze the blade; The root still struggles on; Love, Faith, and Hope may even fade, And life may not be shown.

He shall come unto us -the Prophet’s very words; And his words we would not non-plus To those whom thus have heard;

The seed is then dormant Till warm rains on it fall; -Life responds to this element When God to it shall call;

Christ’s goings forth have been From everlasting climes; Before Time did even begin, A thought to me sublime.

The dayspring knows his place, Fulfilling God’s decree; Man’s free will can’t alter his pace Or change God’s Will, you see;

So, in night’s deepest gloom The sun will someday shine; And in His mansions , find there’s room For dark a soul as mine.