Afterward by Frances Ridley Havergal

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 8, 1875

Afterward.

By Frances Ridley Havergal

Now, the sowing and the weeping, Working hard and waiting long; Afterward, the golden reaping, Harvest home, and grateful song.

Now, the pruning, sharp, unsparing, Scattered blossom, bleeding shoot; Afterward, the plenteous bearing Of the Master's pleasant fruit.

Now, the long and toilsome duty, Stone by stone to carve and bring; Afterward, the perfect beauty Of the palace of the king.

Now, the tuning, and the tension, Wailing minors, discord strong; Afterward, the grand ascension Of the hallelujah song.

Now, the spirit conflict-riven, Wounded heart, unequal strife; Afterward, the triumph given, And the victor's crown of life.

Now, the training strange and lowly, Unexplained and tedious now; Afterward, the service holy, And the Master's "Enter thou!" —F. R. Havergal.