2.
“By His stripes we are healed.”
Such is the offering of Thyself, that we
May willingly embrace the healing scourge,
While the rude world mocks at the thoughts that urge
To chastening laws of self-severity.
But what is all this sorrow poured on Thee?
Not that our flesh may from this gloom emerge
In pamper'd ease; but when she strives to purge
In-dwelling sins by their due penalty,
Or takes the scourging of a Father's Hand,
She may remember that on Thee were laid
Her heavy burdens, and rejoice when made
Like unto Thee, Who thus didst trembling stand,—
May learn there is no health but in the rod
Which hath been borne by our own pitying God.
