Afflictions Sanctified by the Word

I

O how I love thy holy word,
Thy gracious covenant, Lord!
It guides me in the peaceful way,
I think upon it all the day.

II

What are the mines of shining wealth,
The strength of youth, the bloom of health;
What are all joys compared with those
Thine everlasting word bestows?

III

Long unafflicted, undismay’d,
In pleasure’s path secure I stray’d;
Thou madest me feel thy chast’ning rod,
And straight I turn’d unto my God.

IV

What though it pierced my fainting heart,
I bless’d thine hand that caused the smart!
It taught my tears awhile to flow,
But saved me from eternal woe.

V

Oh! hadst thou left me unchastised,
Thy precept I had still despised;
And still the snare in secret laid
Had my unwary feet betray’d.

VI

I love thee, therefore, my God,
And breathe towards thy dear abode.
Where in thy presence fully bless’d,
Thy chosen saints for ever rest.