First Line: Sometimes a light surprises,

Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings ;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in His wings.
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

2 In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new ;
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say----
E'en let th' unknown to-morrow
Bring with it what it may :

3 It can bring with it nothing
But He will bear us through ;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe His people too :
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed ;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.

4 Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit should bear ;
Though all the fields should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there :
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice ;
For, while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.