The Penitent

I mourn with thee and yet rejoice
          That thou shouldst sorrow so;
With Angel choirs I join my voice
          To bless the sinner's woe.
Though friends and kindred turn away
          And laugh thy grief to scorn,
I hear the great Redeemer say
          'Blessed are ye that mourn'.

Hold on thy course nor deem it strange
          That earthly cords are riven.
Man may lament the wondrous change
          But 'There is joy in Heaven'!