Tonight I am thinking of the words to one of my favorite hymns. I feel tonight that the sea billows roll, and that I am being buffeted against craggy shores. Thank God for the words and examples of those who have gone before. As Clement of Alexandria wrote long ago, "The best means towards understanding of the truth and the performance of the commandments is to follow those others who have already been through the test with flying colors." Horatio Spafford, who lost his daughters at sea, passed the test with flying colors, and his faith and example is what I cling to this night.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.