Good in Ill

When gladness gilds our prosperous day, 
     And hope is by fruition crowned, 
"O Lord," with thankful hearts we say, 
     "How doth thy love to us abound!"

But is that love less truly shown
     When earthly joys lie cold and dead,
And hopes have faded one by one, 
     Leaving sad memories in their stead ?

God knows the discipline we need, 
     Nor sorrow sends for sorrow's sake;
And though our stricken hearts may bleed, 
     His mercy will not let them break.

O, teach us to discern the good 
     Thou sendest in the guise of ill;
Since all Thou dost, if understood, 
     Interpreteth thy loving will.

For pain is not the end of pain, 
     Nor seldom trial comes to bless,
And work for us abundant gain, — 
     The peaceful fruits of righteousness.

Then let us not, with anxious thought, 
     Ask of to-morrow's joys or woes,
But by His word and Spirit taught, 
     Accept as best what God bestows.