Lead kindly Light

A classic Hymn from the 1800’s…poetry with a divine touch, sombre though it be.

The Pillar of Cloud

by

John Henry Newman

 

LEAD, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, 
    Lead Thou me on! 
The night is dark, and I am far from home,— 
    Lead Thou me on! 
Keep Thou my feet! I do not ask to see        
The distant scene—one step enough for me. 

 

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou 
    Shouldst lead me on; 
I loved to choose and see my path; but now 
    Lead Thou me on!         
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, 
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years!  

 
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still 
    Will lead me on, 
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till         
    The night is gone, 
And with the morn those angel faces smile 
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.