[img: Eugenio De Giacomi 1888]
O God of Bethel, Shield of Might
Well may Thy servant sense
The fire of heart in need of calm
And turn to thy presence.
Oh, morn of first and deep desire!
The path before so new.
Much must be learned and must be wrought
'Fore pilgrim's course is through.
The heart leaps forth, pursues its goal,
And yet, its goal does miss.
What ways! What thoughts! What paths are these!
Perplexed: "A wrong was this?"
Yea, true! this Glory which called forth
From known to unknown land
Seeks more than mere obedience,
But love, from worm, a friend.
A "friend of God" - Oh word! No word
Speaks as this to a soul!
A condescension so sublime!
A balm! A love! A woe!
He seeks a heart, an ear, a will -
Companion! Can it be?
'Tis not for us to understand
But cower and receive.
Perplexity to finite man,
Who thus begins to walk:
A path appears away from need
But soon becomes so dark.
Oh, Friend! Have I sinned against Thee?
Restless cries; search of mind.
With scorn of the ungodly brow
Tears then the answer finds.
Oh, Back to Bethel. Back to learn
The Unknown, and to see
At feet of Patience, tender Love
Thy Friend: quite unlike thee.