AFTERWARD by F. R. Havergal

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 16, 1873

AFTERWARD

By F. R. 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.