Poems (McDonald)/Adversity
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Thou art a harsh instructor—yet by thee
We learn important lessons—thou dost teach
How frail and fleeting earthly hopes may be,
How oft the goal recedes we strive to reach:
Thine is a form of darkness, and we turn
Heart-sick and weary from the sad embrace,
Would fly thy dreaded presence ever stern,
And trembling, hide us from thy frowning face.
But through the world's dim pathway, thy cold hand
Is leading to a home of joy and peace,
And on the borders of that better land,
Will thy sharp ministry for ever cease,
And we shall bless thee, safely landed there,
And know in heaven how good thy bitter teachings were.
ADVERSITY.
Thou art a harsh instructor—yet by thee
We learn important lessons—thou dost teach
How frail and fleeting earthly hopes may be,
How oft the goal recedes we strive to reach:
Thine is a form of darkness, and we turn
Heart-sick and weary from the sad embrace,
Would fly thy dreaded presence ever stern,
And trembling, hide us from thy frowning face.
But through the world's dim pathway, thy cold hand
Is leading to a home of joy and peace,
And on the borders of that better land,
Will thy sharp ministry for ever cease,
And we shall bless thee, safely landed there,
And know in heaven how good thy bitter teachings were.