AFTERWARD by Sel.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 30, 1875

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.