Perfect Through Suffering

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 31, 1908

Perfect Through Suffering

God never would send you the darkness, If he thought you could bear the light; But you would not cling to his guiding hand, If the way were always bright; And you would not care to walk by faith, Could you always walk by sight.

'Tis true he has many an anguish For the sorrowful hearts to bear, And many a cruel thorn-crown For your tired head to wear; He knows how few would reach heaven at all, If pain did not guide them there.

So he sends you blinding darkness, And the furnace of sevenfold heat; 'Tis the only way, believe me, To keep you close to his feet— For 'tis always so easy to wander, When our lives are glad and sweet.

Then nestle your hand in your Father's, And sing, if you can, as you go; Your song may cheer some one behind you, Whose courage is sinking low. And—well, if your lips do quiver— God will love you better so.

—Selected.