Classic Poem

The trials that the Saviour bore have paved the golden way,
Gethsemane and Calvary before the Easter Day.
He chasteneth the souls He loves and scourgeth every one
Whom He receives into the fold — His will, His will be done.

For ev'ry valley there's a mount, in splendor does it rise,
The vales are deepest when the peaks most nearly touch the skies.
For ev'ry grief there is a joy, we cannot fail to see,
The deeper sorrows that we have, the richer joys there'll be.

The light afflictions that we have, for just a moment here,
Will work a far exceeding weight of love and glory there.
" Be still and know that I am God, " is whispered in the ear,
" A shelter from the stormy blast, in trouble I am near. "

In tribulations then rejoice, for they will patience bring,
And patience brings experience by which we'll ever sing
Of hope that maketh not ashamed as years of time shall roll,
The love of God is shed abroad by hope within the soul.

Of spirits bright and near the throne 'twas asked from whence they came,
And why their garments were so pure? The voices did exclaim,
Through tribulations they have come and washed their garments white,
In Jesus' blood, the worthy Lamb, in whom they take delight!

Each oak that braves the tempest's blast is stronger made at length;
Each trial borne in Jesus' name augments the store of strength;
Then murmur not when crosses come, such angels in disguise,
In answer to our prayers appear to wipe our weeping eyes.

O'er seas of time while troubles rage and toss our helpless bark,
When human strength is but to fail and all around is dark,
The Saviour steps upon the wave, its fury's thus allayed;
" My training school to lead thee out, " He says, " be not afraid. "

When clouds of sorrow hover round and rains of trial fall,
When we can do no other than upon the Saviour call,
He quickly comes to our relief and clears the mists away,
His guiding eye attends our march to realms of perfect day.

At home in heav'n, when time is o'er, no tempests will be seen,
But perfect joy and peace will bring a tranquil most serene,
With saints and angels round the throne we'll rest from care and pain,
And spend a bright eternity where purest love shall reign.