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PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING

God never would send you the darkness,
If he felt you could bear the light;
But you would not cling to his guiding hand
If the way were always bright;
And you would not care to walk by faith,
Could you always walk by sight.

‘Tis true he has many an anguish
For your sorrowful heart to bear,
And many a cruel thorn-crown
For your tired head to wear;
He knows how few would reach heaven at all
If pain did not guide them there.

So he sends you the blinding darkness,
And the furnace of seven-fold heat:
‘Tis the only way, believe me,
To keep you close to his feet—
For ’tis always so easy to wander
When our lives are glad and sweet.

Then nestle your hand in your Father’s
And sing, if you can, as you go;
Your song may cheer some one behind you
Whose courage is sinking low;
And, well, if your lips do quiver—
God will love you better so.

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— September 15, 1892 —