553--In the secret of His presence

In the secret of His presence

553

	1.	In the secret of His presence
		How my soul delights to hide!
		Oh, how precious are the lessons
		Which I learn at Jesus' side!
		Earthly cares can never vex me,
		Neither trials lay me low;
		For when Satan comes to tempt me,
		To the secret place I go.
		(Repeat the last line of each stanza)
	2.	When my soul is faint and thirsty,
		'Neath the shadow of His wing
		There is cool and pleasant shelter,
		And a fresh and crystal spring;
		And my Savior rests beside me,
		As we hold communion sweet;
		If I tried, I could not utter
		What He says when thus we meet.
	3.	Only this I know: I tell Him
		All my doubts and griefs and fears;
		Oh, how patiently He listens!
		And my drooping soul He cheers;
		Do you think He ne'er reproves me?
		What a false friend He would be,
		If He never, never told me
		Of the sins which He must see.
	4.	Would you like to know the sweetness
		Of the secret of the Lord?
		Go and hide beneath the shadow;
		This shall then be your reward;
		And whene'er you leave the silence
		Of that happy meeting-place,
		By the Spirit bear the image
		Of the Master in your face.