For what He doth, although thou knowest not now, Yet thou shalt know hereafter'-deep in dust, With holy resignation learn to bow, And own his dealings merciful as just. Where strong temptation's stormy billows roll, Beyond the trials of this wintry clime, Ere yet life's thorny paths his feet had trod, His joyous spirit, yet unstained by crime, Is borne in triumph to the throne of God. And wouldst thou the sweet seraph's flight restrain, From those pure realms of never failing bliss, Where God the Father-God the Saviour reign, To bind him down to such a world as this? Of such Christ forms his kingdom-oh believe The blessed truth his hallowed lips declared, Ear hath not heard, nor hath the heart conceived What God for those he loveth hath prepared.' Then yield submissive to the sovereign will Of Him who cannot err, and kiss the rod'Commune with thine own spirit and be still,' And know that he is God—a faithful God. Aye-bend in gratitude to heaven's behest, For not e'en in the joyful hour when thou Didst clasp him first to thy maternal breast, Hadst thou such cause for thankfulness as now. Then with unwavering faith to earth entrust 'Now sown in weakness, shall be raised in power.' In this, the Christian's' blessed hope, resign And bless his name that one sweet babe of thine NEWPORT, R. I. S. S. C. |