Afflictions do not come alone, A voice attends the rod; By both he to his saints is known, A Father and a GOD! | Let not my children slight the stroke I for chastisement send; Nor faint beneath my kind rebuke, For still I am their friend. | The wicked I perhaps may leave Awhile, and not reprove; But all the children I receive I scourge, because I love. | If therefore you were left without This needful discipline; You might, with cause, admit a doubt, If you, indeed, were mine. | Shall earthly parents then expect Their children to submit? And wilt not you, when I correct, Be humbled at my feet? | To please themselves they oft chastise, And put their sons to pain; But you are precious in my eyes, And shall not smart in vain. | I see your hearts, at present, filled With grief, and deep distress; But soon these bitter seeds shall yield The fruits of righteousness. | Break through the clouds, dear Lord, and shine! Let us perceive thee nigh! And to each mourning child of thine These gracious words apply. | |