Thomas Toke Lynch (1818–1871)

OFT when of God we ask

For fuller, happier life,

He sets us some new task

Involving care and strife:

Is this the boon for which we sought?

Has prayer new trouble on us brought?

This is indeed the boon,

Though strange to us it seems;

We pierce the rock, and soon

The blessing on us streams;

For when we are the most athirst,

Then the clear waters on us burst.

We toil as in a field,

Wherein, to us unknown,

A treasure lies concealed,

Which may be all our own:

And shall we of the toil complain

That speedily will bring such gain?

We dig the wells of life,

And God the waters gives;

We win our way by strife,

Then He within us lives;

And only war could make us meet

For peace so sacred and so sweet.