Poems (Smith)/The Present and the Future

by Martha A. Smith

THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE.

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By trials and afflictions
 We see our way more clear;
Our heart's best affections
 Are often buried here.

When our earthly joys shall vanish,
 We'll hope for a future bright:
When from this life we perish,
 Heaven opens to our sight.

Beyond the smiling and the weeping,
 Where no sorrows dim the eye,
Forever a welcome greeting
 Awaits us when we die.

Oh, who would live and suffer
 In this fleeting world of pain?
Let us go unto our Saviour,—
 With Him ever to remain.