My Father chastens whom he loves;
O! then, he loves me tenderly;
Oft in the fire my heart he proves,
As oft I know the reason why.
For I am full of earthly love;
I idolize the gifts of Heaven;
And then my Father, from above,
Recalls the dear ones he has given.
Then earth’s attractions die to me,
And I am forced to look above;
And He who fills eternity,
Attracts my gaze, and fires my love.
So, trials let me ever hail,
Which bring another world so near;
I’m introduced within the veil,
And angel songs I seem to hear.
Afflicted heart, rejoice, rejoice!
The door of Heaven is oped for thee;
And hark! O! hark! I hear a voice
Which, “Come up hither,” says to me.
O! Father! dost thou love me so?
These dreadful strokes fall not on me;
I bless thy name, each heavy blow
But strikes my chain, to set me free!
MCPHERSONVILLE, April 15, 1841.