BENEATH THE ROD, by F. B. S.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 16, 1870

BENEATH THE ROD,

By F. B. S.

I MURMURED only yesterday, Because my pathway was not bright, Because the shades of sorrow's night Had gathered o'er my way.

My soul seemed steeped in woe, And grief was mine the livelong day, The heart was sad, I could not pray, Nor to my Saviour go.

I thought God was unkind; I could not see the reason why This weight of grief should galling lie, My weary soul to bind.

But now I weep in shame, I see God meant it all for good, He meant the fiery purging should My heart to him reclaim.

He loved me as before, Though cutting strokes came thick and fast, And gloom and doubt about me cast; My path seemed sad and sore.

And now the torture by, I bend in meekness at his feet, And kiss the rod whose fiery heat Had waked such agony.

Fond Saviour, deign to bless An humble suppliant at thy throne, Whose wandering feet had hither known The ways of stubbornness.

—F. B. S. in American Baptist.