When darkness gathers round thy way,
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 314 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
When darkness gathers round thy way, As falls the shades of even; No star, with its mild, cheering ray, To chase the gloom. our fears allay — How sweet the light of heaven!
Verse 2
When toiling in the narrow way, By persecution driven, Beset with treacherous snares that lay To lead our wayward feet astray, How sweet the smiles of heaven!
Verse 3
When by earth's care and grief and woe The anguished heart is riven, And bitter tears of sorrow flow, No soothing balm found here below — How sweet the joy of heaven!
Verse 4
And when our pilgrimage is o'er, The blessed promise given; When, borne on angels' wings we soar To meet the Saviour we adore — How sweet the home in heaven!