Why, drooping saint, dismayed?

Why, drooping saint, dismayed?
Does sorrow press thee down?
Has God refused to give thee aid,
Or does he seem to frown?

In darkness or distress,
His love's the same to thee;
Without declension, more or less,
Immutable and free.

Should guilt disturb thy peace,
Or Satan harass thee,
Behold the Saviour's righteousness,
That sets the guilty free.

Though he afflicts thy mind,
'Tis not that he'll destroy;
Eternal Wisdom ne'er designed
To give thee always joy.

Beneath thy fainting head
Thy Father and thy Friend
His everlasting arms has laid,
To succour and defend.