AFTERWARD by Sel.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1872

AFTERWARD

By Sel.

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 plunge, the briny burden, Blind, faint, groping in the sea; Afterward, the pearly guerdon That shall make the diver free.

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 Alleluia 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!” —Sel.