Chastening

And shall a worm complain to God
If he should feel the chastening rod?

And shall a worm complain to God
If he should feel the chastening rod?
No, rather he is reconciled
To thus be treated as a child.

The Father’s discipline I feel
And know thereby the Spirit’s seal;
Accepted as a son by grace,
I share in the Beloved’s place;

Ordained to live eternal life
Beyond the reach of pain and strife;
Adopted as a fellow heir,
The image of the Son to bear.

A glorious wealth awaits each one
Whom God has chosen for a son;
Predestined with my Lord to reign,
Can such a worm as I complain?

Unsuited as a worm can be
For honors He confers on me,
The training I must take in stride,
And not give any place to pride.

A worm who’s being washed from dirt
May sometimes flinch from feeling hurt,
But he will offer no complaint
When thus made meet to be a saint.

Nita Brainard

Or, A Worm’s Complaint