352.
Sweet Afflictions.
1
Sweet afflictions! now I own,
You were blessings in disguise;
Grand enlighteners, you have thrown
Lustre o'er my darkest skies!
You have stripp'd, by clearer sight,
Life of all its gaudy dress,
And have brought me, with delight,
To the Fount of Blessedness!
2
Sweet afflictions! but for you,
I had join'd the thoughtless train
Who the things of time pursue,
Boasting of its phantoms vain:
I had spurn'd the heavenly prize,
Spotless robe, and jasper seat,
For earth's vanities and lies,
For the husks that “swine do eat!”
3
Sweet afflictions! you, I know,
God, my Father, sent in love,
To prepare me, here below,
For the world of joy above.
When I reach that bless'd abode,
Safe beyond the tear and sigh,
While I trace my mortal road,
Sweet afflictions! I shall cry.
