THE USES OF ADVERSITY by Mrs. E. J. Johnson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 30, 1896

THE USES OF ADVERSITY.

By Mrs. E. J. Johnson

BY MRS. E. J. JOHNSON.

As, one by one, earthly supports give way, Beneath us may we find The “Everlasting Arms,” our strength and stay, And God supremely kind.

That loving voice we have been slow to heed In our prosperity, Will call us sweetly in our direst need: “My child, come unto me.

“Come unto me, and I will give thee rest. Thy idols I remove. That thou for earthly good may cease thy quest Thy treasure place above.

“I've loved thee with an everlasting love; Thou ne'er canst know the cost At which I left my Father's house above, To seek thee, ruined, lost.

“I suffered shame and death that thou with me Might have at last a part; For this great love I can not take from thee A cold, divided heart.

“Earth's ties that draw away from me must break: I am a jealous God, And in great mercy, for thy own dear sake, Let fall the chastening rod.”

E'en so, dear Lord, we'll gladly all resign Which separates from thee; Whate'er the loss that makes us wholly thine, That loss our gain will be.

Yulee, Fla.