Hymn 37Afflictions Sanctified by the WordO how I love thy holy Word,Thy gracious covenant, O Lord!It guides me in the peaceful way,I think upon it all the day.What are the mines of shining wealth,The strength of youth, the bloom of health!What are all joys compar’d with thoseThine everlasting word bestows!Long unafflicted, undismay’d,In pleasure’s path secure I stray’d;Thou mad’st me feel thy chastning rod,And straight I turn’d unto my God.What tho’ it pierc’d my fainting heart,I bless thine hand that caus’d the smart;It taught my tears awhile to flow,But sav’d me from eternal woe.Oh! hadst thou left me unchastis’d,Thy precepts I had still despis’d;And still the snare in secret laid,Had my unwary feet betray’d.I love thee therefore O my God,And breathe towards thy dear abode;Where in thy presence fully blest,Thy chosen saints for ever rest.