Classic Poem

There is a friend, a secret friend,
 In every trial, every grief,
To cheer, to counsel, and defend,—
 Of all we ever had the chief!—
A friend, who watching from above,
 Whene'er in Error's path we trod,
Still sought us with reproving love;
 That friend, that secret friend, is God !

There is a friend, a faithful friend,
 In every chance and change of fate,
Whose boundless love doth solace send,
 When other friendships come too late!
A friend, that when the world deceives,
 And wearily we onward plod,
Still comforts every heart that grieves;
 That true, that faithful friend, is God !

How blest the years of life might flow,
 In one unchanged, unshaken trust;
If man this truth would only know,
 And love his Maker, and be just!
Yes, there's a friend, a constant friend,
 Who ne'er forsakes the lowliest sod,
But in each need, His hand doth lend;
 That friend, that truest friend, is God !