The Necessity And Use Of Affliction Poem by Maria Frances Cecilia Cowper

SAY, would the teeming earth its treasures yield,
Or grateful plenty crown the smiling field,
If bright'ning suns unceasing warm'd the plain,
And vernal gales for ever fann'd the grain?
What fruit from rural labours would accrue,
If the till'd earth no change of season knew?
Needful alike, the varying seasons bring
The chilling winter and the genial spring;
And earth's best products ask, that they may grow,
The aid of chast'ning frost and mellowing snow.
Such and so various is the deep-laid plan,
On which Heaven cultivates the mind of man.
The gifts of Heaven unsalutary prove,
Not duly temper'd with correcting love.
If fair prosperity continual shine,
Our virtues and our graces all decline;
Nor need we more soft showers and breezes warm,
Than the rude winter and the threat'ning storm.
Whate'er the mean, whate'er the trial prove,
The children own the Father's saving love;
With pious awe their mingled cup receive,
And, taught by grace, unmurmuring believe.