Have you ever felt the rod
Of correction, child of God?
It is bitter, all will own
Who its chastening have known.

But 'tis God's own holy way
To restore us when we stray,
When we wander thoughtlessly,
He recalls us faithfully;

Leads us back to where we strayed
When His Word we disobeyed.
In His love for us He'll yearn
Till in sorrow we return;

For He wants us to abide
In communion by His side;
But until our fault's confessed
He will never give us rest.

For rest's only to be found
Where His peace and joy abound;
Then do your blessed part,
And satisfy His heart.

H. McD.