(Heb. 12. 11.)
What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord,
For this dark and suffering night?
Father, _what_ shall thine "afterward" be?
Hast thou a morning of joy for me,
And a new and joyous light?
What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord,
For the moan that I cannot stay?
Shall it issue in some new song of praise,
Sweeter than sorrowless heart could raise,
When the night hath passed away?
What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord,
For this helplessness of pain?
A clearer view of my home above,
Of my Father's strength and my Father's love--
Shall _this_ be my lasting gain?
What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord?
How long must thy child endure?
Thou knowest! 'Tis well that I know it not!
Thine "afterward" cometh--I cannot tell what,
But I know that thy word is sure.
What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord,
I wonder--and wait to see
(While to thy chastening hand I bow)
What "peaceable fruit" may be ripening now--
Ripening fast for me!
--Frances Ridley Havergal.