Peaceable Fruit

What shall Thine' afterward' be, O Lord,
For this dark and suffering night?
Father, what shall Thine' afterward' be ?
Hast Thou a morning of joy for me,
And a new and joyous light?

What shall Thine' afterward' be, O Lord,
For the moan that I cannot stay ?
Shall it issue in some new song of praise,
Sweeter than sorrowless heart could raise,
When the night hath passed away ?

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 ! 'T is well that I know it not !
Thine' afterward' cometh, I cannot tell what,
But I know that Thy word is sure.

What shall Thine' afterward' be, O Lord?
I wonder and wait to see,
(While to Thy chastening hand I bow,)
What' peaceable fruit' may be ripening now,
Ripening fast for me !