A poem on God's chastisement & healing 

        by Robert Murray McCheyne

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843) was a Scottish Presbyterian minister and missionary who worked tirelessly for the conversion of his fellow-countrymen to Christ, and for the evangelisation of the Jews and other peoples of the Middle East. He was long remembered for his piety and Christian behaviour. By his words and works he manifested a great love for his God, for his brethren and for the perishing multitudes around him.

 

 

He tenderly binds up the broken in heart,

     The soul bowed down He will raise:

For mourning, the ointment of joy will impart:

     For heaviness, garments of praise.

 

Ah, come, then, and sing to the praise of our God,

     Who giveth and taketh away;

Who first by his kindness, and then by his rod,

     Would teach us, poor sinners, to pray.

 

For in the assembly of Jesus' first-born,

     Who anthems of gratitude raise,

Each heart has by great tribulation been torn,

     Each voice turned from wailing to praise.

 

 

Reference

“Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray McCheyne” by Andrew A. Bonar. D.D. Oliphant, Anderson and Ferrier, 1891. p 37.