Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.—Hebrews, xii. 6.

O keep up life and peace within,

If I must feel thy chastening rod!

Yet kill not me, but kill my sin;

And let me know Thou art my God.

O give my soul some sweet foretaste

Of that which I shall shortly see!

Let faith and love cry to the last,

“Come, Lord, I trust myself with Thee!”

Baxter.