Hymn for the Afflicted.

The night of weeping, dark and drear,
Twill soon be past, forever past, Ps. 30.
The morn of joy so bright and clear,
Will come, and will forever last.
Affliction we may well call “light,”
It is “but for a moment” here,
For faith anticipates the sight 2. Cor. 4.
Of things which do “not yet appear.”
That “moment” is indeed but “small.” Isa. 54.
The heart of Love hath nam’d it so;
He bids His people hear His call,
He bids them well their hope to know.
Hear Jesus’ voice, all ye who mourn, Ps. 126:8
The hungry, poor, despis’d, oppress’d, Matt. 5
Himself will come, who soon will turn Luke 6.
Your sorrows into perfect rest.
Then all shall prove your certain gain,
Hatred or smiting, grief or care;
Your tears exchanged for laughter then, Ps. 126.
Reproach no longer you shall bear.
Your mourning then shall all be o’er, Psalms 30.
Dancing and gladness take their place;
In comfort deep, in joy secure,
Your hearts shall praise redeeming grace.
You “sow in tears,” but soon in joy
You’ll reap the much desired gain;
Your harvest fruit hath no alloy, 1 Pet. 1.
Naught shall create a moment’s pain.
“Temptation” now, with mighty power,
Doth oft with “heaviness” cast down; 1 Peter 1.
But then that bright and coming hour,
Will all your hopes and wishes crown.
“Beauty for ashes” shall be giv’n, Isaiah 61.
Praise for a garment—glorious dress!
Praise, the unceasing song of Heav’n, Rev. 5.
“God and the Lamb” shall all confess.
Let faith and hope be ever strong; Heb. 10:92, 23.
For Jesus “quickly” will return Rev. 22.
Himself to lead this heav’nly song. Ps. 22:22
THE LORD’S DEALINGS. ―Let us not presume to explain all the Lord’s dealings with us― His ways are past finding out (Rom. 11:3333O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)). Faith knows that He is leading us “by the right way” (Ps. 107:7), that all His paths are mercy and truth (Psa. 25:1010All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:10)), and that all things work together for good (Rom. 8:2828And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)). Faith interprets all by the cross of Christ― “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:3232He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32))