Sonnet to Adversity

Sonnet to Adversity

Thou art a harsh instructer - yet by thee

We learn important lessons; thou dost teach

How frail and fleeting earthly hopes may be

How oft the goal recedes we strive to reach;

Thine is a form of darkness, and we turn

Heart-sick and weary from the sad embrace,

Would fly thy dreaded presence, ever stern,

And, trembling, hide us from thy frowning face.

But thro' the world's dim pathway thy cold hand

Is leading to a home of joy and peace,

And on the borders of that better land

Will thy sharp ministry forever cease;

And we shall bless thee safely landed there,
And know in heaven how good thy teachings were.

Unattributed

New Series 2:7, p. 28

1841.04.17