CHASTISEMENT by S. M. Swan

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 20, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 20.

CHASTISEMENT.

By S. M. Swan

"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

I saw a tender parent, kind and true, Chastise his child, the idol of his heart; I saw the tear of sorrow in his eye, 'Twas not his pleasure thus to cause the smart; The child he loved transgressed his just commands; Parental kindness drew the chastening rod; 'Tis love that prompts the father thus to strive To lead his child to virtue and to God.

I saw a poor, afflicted child of God; Through devious wilds he sped his lonely way; Affliction's cup full oft his lips had pressed, And bitter grief had long beset his way; His heart began to sink beneath the load; Too heavy seemed to him the chastening rod; And as his faith began to fail, he cried, Alas! I am forsaken of my God.

Thy Father ne'er doth willingly afflict; Look up, desponding, tried, and tempted one; 'Tis for thy profit that he doth chastise: Oh, trust, and humbly say, Thy will be done! Remember that the hottest fire will make The gold more pure, sooner consume the dross; 'Tis that thou may'st his holiness partake That thou must suffer here, must bear the cross.

Forsake thee! no, he never can forsake Those who with humble faith on him rely. For thee, poor soul, his precious blood was spilt, And thou art as the apple of his eye. Oh, trust! Thy name is graven on his hands; Thou art the object of his special care; When thou art purified, made white and tried, Thou shalt with him abide in mansions fair. —S. M. Swan.