1 

In the secret of His presence

   How my soul delights to hide!

Oh, how precious are the lessons

   Which I learn at Jesus' side!

Earthly cares can never vex me,

   Neither trials lay me low;

For when Satan comes to tempt me,

   To the secret place I go.

 2 

When my soul is faint and thirsty,

   'Neath the shadow of His wing

There is cool and pleasant shelter,

   And a fresh and crystal spring;

And my Savior rests beside me,

   As we hold communion sweet;

If I tried, I could not utter

   What He says when thus we meet.

 3 

Only this I know: I tell Him

   All my doubts and griefs and fears;

Oh, how patiently He listens!

   And my drooping soul He cheers;

Do you think He ne'er reproves me?

   What a false friend He would be,

If He never, never told me

   Of the sins which He must see.

 4 

Would you like to know that sweetness

   Of the secret of the Lord?

Go and hide beneath the shadow;

   This shall then be your reward;

And whene'er you leave the silence

   Of that happy meeting-place,

By the Spirit bear the image

   Of the Master in your face.