What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord,

For this helplessness of pain?

A clearer view of my home above,

Of my Father's strength and my Father's love—

Shall this be my lasting gain?

What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord?

How long must thy child endure?

Thou knowest! 'Tis well that I know it not!

Thine "afterward" cometh—I cannot tell what,

But I know that thy word is sure.