Poems (Holmes)/To Bereaved Parents

by Alice Ann Holmes

To Bereaved Parents.

The loss, dear friends, that ye sustain,
 Is one that wears the heart;
But God, who thus afflicts you now,
 New blessings can impart.

Since 'twas from His Almighty hand
 Your fondly loved one came,
Who now has joined the saints above,
 All free from sin and shame.

And though her loss ye deeply mourn,
 Oh, strive with Job to say,
Thrice blessed be the mighty God
 Who gives and takes away.

Who in His wisdom cannot err,
 Though we may not perceive
The purpose which He has in view,
 When He doth us bereave.

Oh, then to Him be reconciled,
 Who ever acts in love,
And He will make your grief
 A future blessing prove.

And why, oh why, should ye repine,
 That one ye loved so well
Is early called from this sad world,
 In Paradise to dwell?

For, oh! her gentle spirit now
 Has reached that blessed abode
Where holy saints with angels join
 Their praises of our God.

And then, amid that spirit-band,
 She will raise her song of praise
To Him who sits upon the throne,
 Through everlasting days.