Affliction

Days of sorrow most distressing, Hours of sickness, grief and pain, Often prove the highest blessing, And to us are richest gain; When we feel a God of Mercy Thus afflicts us in his love, And from earth our thought is drawing To His sacred rest above.

Heaven’s kingdom must be in us, Holy love possess each breast— Truth and purity and goodness— Would we know eternal rest; God in kindness ever striveth This high blessing to impart, And by overcoming evil Fill with gladness every heart.

Earth’s vain trifles often lead us To forget our gracious God, Him who made us and redeemed us And in us would make abode By His Holy Spirit giving Gifts of purity and peace, Richer, larger, fairer, higher, Till this breath of life shall cease.

Then to pass from earth as angels To far brighter realms above, Where all have eternal dwellings In the sunshine of His love; Full of gladness and rejoicing, Full of gratitude and praise, Still to higher life advancing Through their never ending days.

Happy hearts that now receive Him, And in holy worship bow, Meek, repentant—trusting, hoping, His salvation’s joy to know! If they live—they earth inherit, And in purer peace will dwell. If they die—the heavens receive them To that bliss no tongue can tell.