Do the Next Thing

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: "Doe the nexte thynge."

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not to-morrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, "Doe the nexte thynge."

Oh! He would have thee daily more free,
Knowing the might of thy royal degree;
Ever in waiting, glad for His call,
Tranquil in chastening, trusting through all.
Comings and goings no turmoil need bring;
His all thy future—"Doe the nexte thynge."

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, "Doe the nexte thynge."

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor!
In the shade of His presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance, live out thy psalm;
Strong in His faithfulness, praise Him and sing:
Then, as He beckons thee, "Doe the nexte thynge."

—Emily Steele Elliott, Stillness and Service, c.1867, quoted by Elisabeth Elliot, http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Do-the-Next-Thing.html