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The Clouds Return After The Rain.

Dark and yet darker my day's clouded o'er;

Are its bright joys all fled, and its sunshine no more?

I look to the skies for the bright bow in vain,

For constantly "clouds return after the rain."

Must it always be thus, peace banished forever,

And joy to this sad heart returned again never?

I long for the rest that I cannot obtain,

For the clouds, so much dreaded, return after rain.

Is there not in this wide world one spot that is blessed

With exemption from suffering, where one may find rest;

Where sickness and sorrow no entranpe can gain,

And the clouds do not return after the rain?

Ah! deceive not thyself by a vain hope like this,

Nor expect in this world to enjoy lasting peace:

But bow with submission to God's holy will,

For the hand that afflicts is thy kind Father's still.

If my days are dark here, there are brighter above,

In those pure realms of light, peace, joy, and of love;

Where the air is all balm, and the skies ever fair,

And the river of life, clear as crystal flows there.

There also, for healing the nations, are found

The leaves of the tree on which rich fruits abound;

There is no need of candle, for God is their light,

There never is darkness, for "there is no night."

Oh! may I there find, when this brief life is past,

By my Saviour prepared, a sweet home at last;

Where sin never enters, death, sorrow, nor care,

And clouds are not feared, for it never rains there.

August 19, 1852.