p. 1 | The Mystery of Chastisement by S. Wilberforce

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1878

The Mystery of Chastisement.

By S. Wilberforce

“We glory also in tribulations.” Rom. 5: 3.

Within this leaf, to every eye So little worth, doth hidden lie Most rare and subtle fragrance;

Wouldst thou its secret wealth unbind? Crush it, and thou shalt perfume find Sweet as Arabia’s spicy wind.

In this dull stone, so poor and bare Of shape or luster, patient care Will find for thee a jewel rare;

But first, must skillful hand essay, With file and flint, to clear away The film that hides its fire from day.

This leaf! this stone! it is thy heart; It must be crushed by pain and smart, It must be cleansed by sorrow’s art,

Ere it will yield a fragrance sweet, Ere it will shine a jewel meet To lay before the dear Lord’s feet.

—S. Wilberforce.