 | Poems of home and country |  |
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CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.
THE PRESENT AND THE ETERNAL.
'T is but a step to yon bright world,
The home above the skies;
As evening beauty scarcely pales,
E'er morning's glories rise.
The home above the skies;
As evening beauty scarcely pales,
E'er morning's glories rise.
'T is but an hour,—and scenes of grief
Shall change to joy again,
As rainbows crown the passing cloud
With sunlight, after rain.
Shall change to joy again,
As rainbows crown the passing cloud
With sunlight, after rain.
A tale of woe, a sad farewell,
A shriek of pain or grief,—
'T is but a wave that stirs the air,
A breeze that fans the leaf.
A shriek of pain or grief,—
'T is but a wave that stirs the air,
A breeze that fans the leaf.
'T is but a shadow, when the sun
Is hid in dim eclipse;
'T is but a frozen dewdrop when
The frost the rose-leaf nips.
Is hid in dim eclipse;
'T is but a frozen dewdrop when
The frost the rose-leaf nips.
The frost dissolves; the dew exhales;
The rose-tree blooms anew;
The shadow passes; burns the sun,
As erst, in heaven's bright blue.
The rose-tree blooms anew;
The shadow passes; burns the sun,
As erst, in heaven's bright blue.
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'T is but a night when darkness rules,
And mortals tread uncertain;
Quick comes the dawn, and beaming morn
Pours sunlight through the curtain.
And mortals tread uncertain;
Quick comes the dawn, and beaming morn
Pours sunlight through the curtain.
Not time, nor space, nor work shall e'er
Love's clasping tendrils sever;
As clinging vines still upward climb,
And, climbing, cling forever.
Love's clasping tendrils sever;
As clinging vines still upward climb,
And, climbing, cling forever.
O blessed bond of loving hearts;
Blest union, never broken;
Blest land, where tears are never shed,
And farewells never spoken!
Blest union, never broken;
Blest land, where tears are never shed,
And farewells never spoken!
Through joy and grief, through pain and death,
We tread towards heaven's high portal,
And yield, unmoved, the things that change,
For flowers and fruits immortal.
We tread towards heaven's high portal,
And yield, unmoved, the things that change,
For flowers and fruits immortal.
November 7, 1866.
DESPONDENCY.
The clouds of affliction and pain
Have shrouded in mourning the sky;
Thick darkness conceals all the plain,
And tempests are hurrying by.
I cry out, with sorrow o'erwhelmed,
While tears from my weeping eyes break;
When shall I with sorrow be done;
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
Have shrouded in mourning the sky;
Thick darkness conceals all the plain,
And tempests are hurrying by.
I cry out, with sorrow o'erwhelmed,
While tears from my weeping eyes break;
When shall I with sorrow be done;
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
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Yet 't is not my friends that I mourn,—
I weep not that loved ones retire;
I grieve not that I am forlorn,
And earthly enjoyments expire.
My Saviour! my Saviour! my God!
Why dost Thou my spirit forsake?
Oh, when shall I throw off my load?
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
I weep not that loved ones retire;
I grieve not that I am forlorn,
And earthly enjoyments expire.
My Saviour! my Saviour! my God!
Why dost Thou my spirit forsake?
Oh, when shall I throw off my load?
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
The winds of temptation arise,
And howl o'er my pathway of night;
The cloud never moves from the skies,
To show the blest beaming of light.
With madness I rush into sin,
Then grief comes, my poor heart to break;
When shall I be sinful no more?
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
And howl o'er my pathway of night;
The cloud never moves from the skies,
To show the blest beaming of light.
With madness I rush into sin,
Then grief comes, my poor heart to break;
When shall I be sinful no more?
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
Oh, when shall my Sabbaths again
Be sweet and delightful to me?
When shall I, my Saviour, obtain
Communion of spirit with Thee?
This darkness and dulness I long,
I long from my bosom to shake;
When shall I to gladness return?
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
Be sweet and delightful to me?
When shall I, my Saviour, obtain
Communion of spirit with Thee?
This darkness and dulness I long,
I long from my bosom to shake;
When shall I to gladness return?
Oh, when in Thy likeness awake?
My Saviour! my Saviour! I wait,
I wait till Thy glory arise;
I watch at Thy merciful gate,
Till light bursts again from the skies.
Then gladness shall swell in my breast,
No more these complaints shall I make;
But calmly my spirit shall rest,
And I, in Thy likeness, awake.
I wait till Thy glory arise;
I watch at Thy merciful gate,
Till light bursts again from the skies.
Then gladness shall swell in my breast,
No more these complaints shall I make;
But calmly my spirit shall rest,
And I, in Thy likeness, awake.
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CONSECRATION.
'T was God who heard when hope was dying;
'T was God who made me look and live.
He saw me to His covenant flying,
And condescended to forgive.
'T was God who made me look and live.
He saw me to His covenant flying,
And condescended to forgive.
From long distress and thoughts of anguish,
He gave my spirit sweet release;
No more in sorrow left to languish,
My bosom now has perfect peace.
He gave my spirit sweet release;
No more in sorrow left to languish,
My bosom now has perfect peace.
Tell me, dear Saviour, what oblation
To Heaven's high altar shall I bring?
What sacrifice for such salvation,
To Thee my life, my God, my King?
To Heaven's high altar shall I bring?
What sacrifice for such salvation,
To Thee my life, my God, my King?
My soul, myself, my all, I give Thee,
Forever to be Thine alone;
And let my praise—for Thou art worthy—
Swell in rich numbers to Thy throne.
Forever to be Thine alone;
And let my praise—for Thou art worthy—
Swell in rich numbers to Thy throne.
Accept my service, blessed Spirit.
Till I my course on earth have sped;
Then let me endless life inherit,
Still onward by Thy guidance led.
Till I my course on earth have sped;
Then let me endless life inherit,
Still onward by Thy guidance led.
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IMPORTUNITY IN PRAYER.
“LET ME GO, FOR THE DAY BREAKETH.”
Go? When the promise stands,
That a faithful God will hear!
Go? when the Intercessor's voice
Sounds in the Almighty's ear!
Go? When my inmost spirit breaks,
For the longing it hath for Thee!
Oh, no! the Blessed shall not go,
Until He blesses me!
That a faithful God will hear!
Go? when the Intercessor's voice
Sounds in the Almighty's ear!
Go? When my inmost spirit breaks,
For the longing it hath for Thee!
Oh, no! the Blessed shall not go,
Until He blesses me!
There is life in the gracious God,—
A fountain that cannot fail;
A gentle hand that can wipe the tear,
And soothe the contrite wail.
There is One who can speak the word,
And the blind shall rise and see;
Oh, then, the Blessed shall not go,
Until He blesseth me!
A fountain that cannot fail;
A gentle hand that can wipe the tear,
And soothe the contrite wail.
There is One who can speak the word,
And the blind shall rise and see;
Oh, then, the Blessed shall not go,
Until He blesseth me!
Yes, ashes and dust may plead
With the Holy One above;
And the earnest prayer ascend
To the God whose name is Love;
Angels may not be sent
In their heavenly ministry,—
But the Blessed shall never go,
Until He blesseth me.
With the Holy One above;
And the earnest prayer ascend
To the God whose name is Love;
Angels may not be sent
In their heavenly ministry,—
But the Blessed shall never go,
Until He blesseth me.
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My spirit glows in faith,
My heart in strong desire;
And God will come—will come
Ere the lamp of life expire.
Thou wilt not desert, I know,
The heart that clings to Thee;
Oh, no! the Blessed will not go,
Until He blesseth me!
My heart in strong desire;
And God will come—will come
Ere the lamp of life expire.
Thou wilt not desert, I know,
The heart that clings to Thee;
Oh, no! the Blessed will not go,
Until He blesseth me!
FAR FROM EARTH.
Far from earth retreating,
From its scenes so fleeting,
Lord, I come to Thee.
From Thy glorious dwelling,
Where heaven's joys are welling,
Saviour, look on me!
Let Thy light
Dispel my night;
Let Thy holy peace come o'er me,
While I bend before Thee.
From its scenes so fleeting,
Lord, I come to Thee.
From Thy glorious dwelling,
Where heaven's joys are welling,
Saviour, look on me!
Let Thy light
Dispel my night;
Let Thy holy peace come o'er me,
While I bend before Thee.
Worldly hopes, I speak not,
Worldly good, I seek not,
Here before Thy throne;
Let Thy Spirit, shining,
Come, from sin refining;
Let Thy blood atone.
From my heart
Let earth depart,
Every idol object sever;
In me reign forever.
Worldly good, I seek not,
Here before Thy throne;
Let Thy Spirit, shining,
Come, from sin refining;
Let Thy blood atone.
From my heart
Let earth depart,
Every idol object sever;
In me reign forever.
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Lord, behold me waiting,
Freely consecrating
All I have to Thee;
Near Thy cross abiding,
In Thy love confiding,
Longing Thine to be.
Come, then, come,
My heart illume;
Make my soul Thy Spirit's dwelling,
Rebel thoughts expelling.
Freely consecrating
All I have to Thee;
Near Thy cross abiding,
In Thy love confiding,
Longing Thine to be.
Come, then, come,
My heart illume;
Make my soul Thy Spirit's dwelling,
Rebel thoughts expelling.
Grace has made me willing,—
Grace, my spirit filling;
Lord, the praise be Thine;
When, with free salvation,
Saved from condemnation,
Near Thy throne I shine,
Then the strain
Shall swell again,—
Glory to Thy love, blest Saviour!
Reign, O reign, forever!
Grace, my spirit filling;
Lord, the praise be Thine;
When, with free salvation,
Saved from condemnation,
Near Thy throne I shine,
Then the strain
Shall swell again,—
Glory to Thy love, blest Saviour!
Reign, O reign, forever!
PASSING ON, PASSING UP.
Passing on, passing up, to the platform of life,
Its honors, its trials, its glory, its strife;
Passing on, passing up, as day follows on day,—
Passing on, passing up, and then, passing away.
Its honors, its trials, its glory, its strife;
Passing on, passing up, as day follows on day,—
Passing on, passing up, and then, passing away.
The honored, the cherished, the good, have passed on,
Like morning stars, lost in the glow of the sun,—
The seal on their virtues, in safety their fame,
No stain on their record, no blot on their name.
Like morning stars, lost in the glow of the sun,—
The seal on their virtues, in safety their fame,
No stain on their record, no blot on their name.
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The silver-tongued prophet sleeps silent, aside;
The statesman lies low in his manhood's young pride;
Our comrades in toil have passed on before,—
Passing on, passing up, to the heavenly shore.
The statesman lies low in his manhood's young pride;
Our comrades in toil have passed on before,—
Passing on, passing up, to the heavenly shore.
Still the flag of distress, in our sight, is unfurled;
Still waits for the sickle, the field of the world;
Still high on the tower where the herald has been,
Is emblazoned the call, “Wanted, Christians, and men!”
Still waits for the sickle, the field of the world;
Still high on the tower where the herald has been,
Is emblazoned the call, “Wanted, Christians, and men!”
O men for the times! with heart and with hands,
Go, toil where the Master your labor demands;
And, faithful, toil on, till the close of the day,—
Passing onward and upward, and passing away.
Go, toil where the Master your labor demands;
And, faithful, toil on, till the close of the day,—
Passing onward and upward, and passing away.
May, 1868.
THY WILL, O LORD, BE DONE.
Thy way, O God, is best,—
Thy way, not mine;
Patient beneath Thy rod,
Quick to obey Thy nod,
Because Thou art my God,—
Thy way, not mine.
Thy way, not mine;
Patient beneath Thy rod,
Quick to obey Thy nod,
Because Thou art my God,—
Thy way, not mine.
I know Thy wise design;
Thy will is mine.
From earthly dross refine,
Shape to the mould divine,
My soul shall ne'er repine,—
Thy will, not mine.
Thy will is mine.
From earthly dross refine,
Shape to the mould divine,
My soul shall ne'er repine,—
Thy will, not mine.
Clay in the potter's hand,
Thy will is mine.
'T is Thine, the vase to make,
Or Thine, dear Lord, to break;
Thine, or to give, or take,—
Thy will, not mine.
Thy will is mine.
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Or Thine, dear Lord, to break;
Thine, or to give, or take,—
Thy will, not mine.
Sorrow, or joy, be sent,—
Thy will is mine;
In all, Thy love I see;
Whate'er my lot may be,
I trust my all to Thee,—
Thy will is mine.
Thy will is mine;
In all, Thy love I see;
Whate'er my lot may be,
I trust my all to Thee,—
Thy will is mine.
March 30, 1892.
YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN.
Oh, not my own these verdant hills,
And fruits and flowers, and stream and wood;
But His, who all with glory fills,
Who bought me with His precious blood!
And fruits and flowers, and stream and wood;
But His, who all with glory fills,
Who bought me with His precious blood!
Oh, not my own this wondrous frame,
Its curious work, its living soul;
But His, who for my ransom came,
Slain for my sake,—He claims the whole!
Its curious work, its living soul;
But His, who for my ransom came,
Slain for my sake,—He claims the whole!
Oh, not my own, the grace that keeps
My feet from fierce temptations free!
Oh, not my own, the thought that leaps,
Adoring, blessed Lord, to Thee!
My feet from fierce temptations free!
Oh, not my own, the thought that leaps,
Adoring, blessed Lord, to Thee!
Oh, not my own! I'll soar and sing,
When life, and all its toils, are o'er;
And Thou Thy trembling lamb shalt bring
Safe home,—to wander never more!
When life, and all its toils, are o'er;
And Thou Thy trembling lamb shalt bring
Safe home,—to wander never more!
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ALL THINGS ARE YOURS.
All that is pleasant to the eye,—
The earth with all her stores,
The glowing sun, the rainbow's dye,—
All present things are yours.
The earth with all her stores,
The glowing sun, the rainbow's dye,—
All present things are yours.
The throne where all the holy bow;
The mansions where they rest;
The sweet, refreshing gales that blow;
The raptures of the blest;
The mansions where they rest;
The sweet, refreshing gales that blow;
The raptures of the blest;
The harp, the robes, the diadem;
The never-fading flowers;
Heaven's shaded walks and living stream,—
All coming things are yours!
The never-fading flowers;
Heaven's shaded walks and living stream,—
All coming things are yours!
All things are yours, for Jesus dwells
Within your glowing heart;
And many a raptured feeling tells,
He never will depart.
Within your glowing heart;
And many a raptured feeling tells,
He never will depart.
All things are yours, and Christ is God's!
Tho' grief your day obscures,
Soon you shall see heaven's bright abode,
And know that all is yours!
Tho' grief your day obscures,
Soon you shall see heaven's bright abode,
And know that all is yours!
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A PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.
When God is near,
O heart with sorrow swelling,
Pour out thy grief, thy tale of anguish telling;
And love will wipe each flowing tear,
When God is near.
O heart with sorrow swelling,
Pour out thy grief, thy tale of anguish telling;
And love will wipe each flowing tear,
When God is near.
When God comes nigh,
Peace quells the soul's commotion,
And sheds the sweet serene of calm devotion;
And every cloud of grief must fly,
When God comes nigh.
Peace quells the soul's commotion,
And sheds the sweet serene of calm devotion;
And every cloud of grief must fly,
When God comes nigh.
When God comes near,
Let every heart receive Him;
Slight not the Spirit's call, nor dare to grieve Him;
“The still small voice,” be wise to hear,
When God is near.
Let every heart receive Him;
Slight not the Spirit's call, nor dare to grieve Him;
“The still small voice,” be wise to hear,
When God is near.
When God is nigh,
Covet not earthly pleasure,
But seek in heaven an ever-during treasure;
Each tear is seen, and heard each sigh,
When God is nigh.
Covet not earthly pleasure,
But seek in heaven an ever-during treasure;
Each tear is seen, and heard each sigh,
When God is nigh.
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THERE'S REST FOR THEE.
There's rest for thee,
Fond heart, who life art wasting.
Remit thy eager search of earth-born bliss;
The Saviour seek—true fount of happiness.
Flee to that refuge while thy days are hasting!
Fond heart, who life art wasting.
Remit thy eager search of earth-born bliss;
The Saviour seek—true fount of happiness.
Flee to that refuge while thy days are hasting!
There 's peace for thee;
Whose heart is all commotion,
The voice of Christ can calm the troubled sea.
Forsake thy sins, and to His covenant flee,
And sweet shall be thy course o'er life's rough ocean.
Whose heart is all commotion,
The voice of Christ can calm the troubled sea.
Forsake thy sins, and to His covenant flee,
And sweet shall be thy course o'er life's rough ocean.
There 's hope for thee,
Whose soul is rent with sadness.
With humble trust thy all to Jesus give;
Give Him thy heart, for Him resolve,
Then, on thy night, shall rise the star of gladness.
Whose soul is rent with sadness.
With humble trust thy all to Jesus give;
Give Him thy heart, for Him resolve,
Then, on thy night, shall rise the star of gladness.
There 's life for thee,
Who, weary with delaying,
Shalt haste to Jesus, while He waits to save,
Who for thy life His life so freely gave,—
The sacred call of love at once obeying.
Who, weary with delaying,
Shalt haste to Jesus, while He waits to save,
Who for thy life His life so freely gave,—
The sacred call of love at once obeying.
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ALL ONE IN CHRIST.
All one in Christ,—though, plains and hills dividing,
Our earthly homes are far asunder placed;
All one in Christ,—in Him our souls abiding,
O'er the broad earth or on the ocean waste.
Our earthly homes are far asunder placed;
All one in Christ,—in Him our souls abiding,
O'er the broad earth or on the ocean waste.
All one in Christ,—bound in divine communion,
And He the cynosure,—the changeless Word.
One Sovereign rules; the watchword of our union,
One faith, one baptism, and one risen Lord.
And He the cynosure,—the changeless Word.
One Sovereign rules; the watchword of our union,
One faith, one baptism, and one risen Lord.
All one in Christ,—should grief, or joy, betide us;
Or health, or sickness, life, or death, be ours,—
His word shall cheer, His loving hand shall guide us,
His name revive, like incense-breathing flowers.
Or health, or sickness, life, or death, be ours,—
His word shall cheer, His loving hand shall guide us,
His name revive, like incense-breathing flowers.
All one in Christ,—His voice the fiercest battle,
Like Galilee's wild waves, can quell and calm;
Assuage the tumult, still the tempest's rattle,
For pain give ease, for waiting, victory's psalm.
Like Galilee's wild waves, can quell and calm;
Assuage the tumult, still the tempest's rattle,
For pain give ease, for waiting, victory's psalm.
All one in Christ,—man's passions, like the billow,
May roar and dash around with frightful shock;
Held in His leash, light as the air-swept willow,
They lash in vain the Everlasting Rock.
May roar and dash around with frightful shock;
Held in His leash, light as the air-swept willow,
They lash in vain the Everlasting Rock.
All one in Christ,—our paths, in varied winding,
May seem unheeding of Heaven's grand accord;
The rills of life, new channels ever finding,
Shall all converge in Him, our loving Lord.
May seem unheeding of Heaven's grand accord;
The rills of life, new channels ever finding,
Shall all converge in Him, our loving Lord.
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All one in Christ,—life's discipline and rasping
May fret, and grind, and wear the sufferer down;
But there's a gracious Hand, the faint form clasping,—
The cross to-day; be patient, then the crown.
May fret, and grind, and wear the sufferer down;
But there's a gracious Hand, the faint form clasping,—
The cross to-day; be patient, then the crown.
All one in Christ,—the fields must have their tilling;
O'er earth, His heritage, for Him we roam;
With ready hands we toil, and spirit willing,
Till the great Husbandman shall call us home.
O'er earth, His heritage, for Him we roam;
With ready hands we toil, and spirit willing,
Till the great Husbandman shall call us home.
All one in Christ,—soon will the great forever
Yield to the weary workers needed rest;
Toil waste no more, and sorrow grieve,—no, never,—
The loved disciple on the Master's breast.
Yield to the weary workers needed rest;
Toil waste no more, and sorrow grieve,—no, never,—
The loved disciple on the Master's breast.
FOLLOWING CHRIST.
With willing hearts we tread
The path the Saviour trod;
We love the example of our Head,
The glorious Lamb of God.
The path the Saviour trod;
We love the example of our Head,
The glorious Lamb of God.
On Thee, on Thee alone,
Our hope and faith rely,—
O Thou, who didst for sin atone,
Who didst for sinners die!
Our hope and faith rely,—
O Thou, who didst for sin atone,
Who didst for sinners die!
We trust Thy sacrifice;
To Thy dear cross we flee.
Oh, may we die to sin, and rise
To life and bliss with Thee.
To Thy dear cross we flee.
Oh, may we die to sin, and rise
To life and bliss with Thee.
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CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.
Planted in Christ, the living vine,
This day with one accord,
Ourselves, with humble faith and joy,
We yield to Thee, O Lord!
This day with one accord,
Ourselves, with humble faith and joy,
We yield to Thee, O Lord!
Joined in one body may we be;
One inward life partake;
One be our heart; one heavenly hope
In every bosom wake!
One inward life partake;
One be our heart; one heavenly hope
In every bosom wake!
In prayer, in effort, tears, and toils,
One wisdom be our guide;
Taught by one Spirit from above,
In Thee may we abide.
One wisdom be our guide;
Taught by one Spirit from above,
In Thee may we abide.
Complete in us, whom grace hath called,
Thy glorious work begun,—
O Thou, in whom the Church on earth,
And Church in heaven, are one!
Thy glorious work begun,—
O Thou, in whom the Church on earth,
And Church in heaven, are one!
Around this feeble, trusting band,
Thy sheltering pinions spread,
Nor let the storms of trial beat
Too fiercely on our head!
Thy sheltering pinions spread,
Nor let the storms of trial beat
Too fiercely on our head!
Then, when, among the saints in light,
Our joyful spirits shine,
Shall anthems of immortal praise,
O Lamb of God, be Thine!
Our joyful spirits shine,
Shall anthems of immortal praise,
O Lamb of God, be Thine!
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JESUS IS PASSING BY.
“THE RESOLVE.”
The voice of joyful ones I hear,
It warbles sweet and high;
Arise, my soul, the Lord is near,—
Jesus is passing by!
It warbles sweet and high;
Arise, my soul, the Lord is near,—
Jesus is passing by!
Long have I waited at the pool;
Why should I longer stay?
Come, Saviour, make my spirit whole;
My Saviour, come away!
Why should I longer stay?
Come, Saviour, make my spirit whole;
My Saviour, come away!
No longer will I, listless, wait;
No more, excuses frame;
No more with earth and sin debate;
No more Thy goodness blame.
No more, excuses frame;
No more with earth and sin debate;
No more Thy goodness blame.
The world no more shall have my heart;
I will rebel no more;
From cherished sin, to-day, I part,
And sparing Love adore.
I will rebel no more;
From cherished sin, to-day, I part,
And sparing Love adore.
The chief of sinners, Lord! I come,
And cast myself on Thee;
Thou art the weary wanderer's home,—
My home, dear Saviour, be!
And cast myself on Thee;
Thou art the weary wanderer's home,—
My home, dear Saviour, be!
The work is done; my God is mine,—
Glory to God! I sing;
Jesus, the glory all be Thine;
Let all creation ring!
Glory to God! I sing;
Jesus, the glory all be Thine;
Let all creation ring!
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A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN.
Blest be the sacred tie that binds
All Christian hearts in one;
Blest be the fellowships of earth,—
The joy of heaven begun.
All Christian hearts in one;
Blest be the fellowships of earth,—
The joy of heaven begun.
Blest be the scenes, the sacred scenes,
When tears forget to start;
When soul, to happy soul, responds,
And heart, to Christian heart.
When tears forget to start;
When soul, to happy soul, responds,
And heart, to Christian heart.
Blest be the hours, the sacred hours,
Foretaste of bliss above;
Each speaking eye, each throbbing pulse,
Speaks, throbs, with Christian love.
Foretaste of bliss above;
Each speaking eye, each throbbing pulse,
Speaks, throbs, with Christian love.
Dear antepast of joys to come!
Earth hails the radiant glow;
Light from that world illumines this,
And heaven is felt below.
Earth hails the radiant glow;
Light from that world illumines this,
And heaven is felt below.
October 12, 1886.
ABOUNDING MERCY.
AFTER TWO HUNDRED YEARS.
Oh! sing to the praise of the Saviour above,
Unchanging His wisdom, immortal His love;
Extolled be His mercy, and hallowed His name,
Who dwelt in the pillar of cloud and of flame.
Unchanging His wisdom, immortal His love;
Extolled be His mercy, and hallowed His name,
Who dwelt in the pillar of cloud and of flame.
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His hand through the desert has guided our way,
Our shelter by night, and our glory by day;
The fathers are garnered at rest in the grave,—
But Jesus still triumphs, almighty to save.
Our shelter by night, and our glory by day;
The fathers are garnered at rest in the grave,—
But Jesus still triumphs, almighty to save.
The harvests are waving, as waves the ripe grain,
Fruit, once sown in tears, of the centuries twain;
The billows no more beat with furious shock;
The Church safely stands on its basis of rock.
Fruit, once sown in tears, of the centuries twain;
The billows no more beat with furious shock;
The Church safely stands on its basis of rock.
More ages, still following, their circuit shall run;
More gems light the crown which our Saviour has won;
More trophies of grace to their Lord shall be given,—
Then echo the Jubilee anthem in heaven.
More gems light the crown which our Saviour has won;
More trophies of grace to their Lord shall be given,—
Then echo the Jubilee anthem in heaven.
UP! YE SAINTS!
FROM THE GERMAN.
Up! ye saints, and raise
Songs of grateful praise;
While your hearts are warm,
While, in calm or storm,
River, hill, and tree,
You, your God can see,
All the glories showing
Of His love o'erflowing!
Songs of grateful praise;
While your hearts are warm,
While, in calm or storm,
River, hill, and tree,
You, your God can see,
All the glories showing
Of His love o'erflowing!
Once you trod the path
Leading on to death;
With the Spirit strove,
Scorned His offered love,
And, with wicked hands,
Burst His sacred bands.
All this He forgave you;
How He longed to save you!
Leading on to death;
With the Spirit strove,
Scorned His offered love,
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Burst His sacred bands.
All this He forgave you;
How He longed to save you!
Light, He sweetly shed,—
Peace about you spread;
O'er the guilty soul
Bade salvation roll.
Cleansed your heart from sin,
Kindly entered in;—
Scattered all your sadness,
Filled your souls with gladness!
Peace about you spread;
O'er the guilty soul
Bade salvation roll.
Cleansed your heart from sin,
Kindly entered in;—
Scattered all your sadness,
Filled your souls with gladness!
Tell your joys abroad!
Praise your Saviour, God!
Sinful wanderers bring
From their wandering,
Back to Him, who knows
All their wants and woes,—
Joyfully returning
While His love is yearning.
Praise your Saviour, God!
Sinful wanderers bring
From their wandering,
Back to Him, who knows
All their wants and woes,—
Joyfully returning
While His love is yearning.
Then, what glories wait
Your celestial state!
Ever ye shall shine,
Clothed in light divine,
Where the ransomed sing,
And glad voices ring,—
While each spirit raises
Never-ending praises!
Your celestial state!
Ever ye shall shine,
Clothed in light divine,
Where the ransomed sing,
And glad voices ring,—
While each spirit raises
Never-ending praises!
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SALVATION.
What peace is this that springs within my mind;
What light and joy, where all was dark and blind?
How lovely all creation looks to me!
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
What light and joy, where all was dark and blind?
How lovely all creation looks to me!
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
My weight of guilt has hasted all away;
I cannot make one thought of sadness stay;
From God, in terror, I no longer flee,—
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
I cannot make one thought of sadness stay;
From God, in terror, I no longer flee,—
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
All Nature seems to echo, “God is love!”
Sweet voice! it rings around me and above;
That glorious God, my spirit sighs to see,—
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
Sweet voice! it rings around me and above;
That glorious God, my spirit sighs to see,—
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
Ye men of God, I love your blest retreat;
I love your names; converse with you is sweet;
To dwell in God's dear house, is bliss to me,—
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
I love your names; converse with you is sweet;
To dwell in God's dear house, is bliss to me,—
Tell me, my soul, can this Salvation be?
O blessed, gracious Saviour, well I know,
'T is from Thy love these fond emotions flow;
'T is from Salvation's fount, so full and free,
These joys, so pure and grateful, come to me.
'T is from Thy love these fond emotions flow;
'T is from Salvation's fount, so full and free,
These joys, so pure and grateful, come to me.
While to the cross, my heart, dependent, clings,
“Glory to God!” my happy spirit sings.
No storms of earth my pleasure can impair;
Peace fills my bosom,—peace is rooted there.
“Glory to God!” my happy spirit sings.
No storms of earth my pleasure can impair;
Peace fills my bosom,—peace is rooted there.
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THE TRUSTING SOUL.
PSALM XCI.
The man who dwells
Beneath Thy shade, Most High,
Shall in Thy love abide;
Thy grace dispels
His fears, when storms are nigh;
Thou dost His footsteps guide.
The Lord from pestilence will guard Thee,
And no temptation shall retard thee;
'T is God that heals.
Beneath Thy shade, Most High,
Shall in Thy love abide;
Thy grace dispels
His fears, when storms are nigh;
Thou dost His footsteps guide.
The Lord from pestilence will guard Thee,
And no temptation shall retard thee;
'T is God that heals.
Beneath His wing
Thy steadfast soul shall trust;
His truth shall be thy shield,
Tho' death should bring
His thousands to the dust,
And fainting hope should yield;
Tho' dark disease should hover by thee,
No hurtful damp shall e'er come nigh thee,
Nor sorrow sting.
Thy steadfast soul shall trust;
His truth shall be thy shield,
Tho' death should bring
His thousands to the dust,
And fainting hope should yield;
Tho' dark disease should hover by thee,
No hurtful damp shall e'er come nigh thee,
Nor sorrow sting.
Because thy heart
Hath made its refuge God,
No woe shall thee befall;
No poisoned dart,
No desolating rod,
Shall mix thy life with gall;
But angels in their hands shall bear thee
Above the foes that would ensnare thee,
And peace impart.
Hath made its refuge God,
No woe shall thee befall;
No poisoned dart,
No desolating rod,
Shall mix thy life with gall;
But angels in their hands shall bear thee
Above the foes that would ensnare thee,
And peace impart.
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Because the soul
Hath set on Me his love,
I will from danger save;
And peace shall roll
By him whom I approve,
Its soft and soothing wave,
His voice shall call, and I will hear him,
And in his trouble will be near him
Till joy be full.
Hath set on Me his love,
I will from danger save;
And peace shall roll
By him whom I approve,
Its soft and soothing wave,
His voice shall call, and I will hear him,
And in his trouble will be near him
Till joy be full.
BLEST BE THE HOLY BANDS.
Blest be the holy bands,
Uniting hearts and hands,—
One chain of love;
One life, one hope, one aim;
One faith in one blest Name;
Our Rock, our God, the same,
Below, above.
Uniting hearts and hands,—
One chain of love;
One life, one hope, one aim;
One faith in one blest Name;
Our Rock, our God, the same,
Below, above.
Cleansed by atoning blood,
Washed in one healing flood,
One God we own;
Ours, to accept His word,
Ours, to obey our Lord,
Making, with glad accord,
Our hearts His throne.
Washed in one healing flood,
One God we own;
Ours, to accept His word,
Ours, to obey our Lord,
Making, with glad accord,
Our hearts His throne.
The whispering pine and palm
Shall blend in one sweet psalm,
Dear Lord, to Thee;
We seek the world to save;
We form one army brave,
As thousand drops, one wave,
All streams, one sea.
Shall blend in one sweet psalm,
Dear Lord, to Thee;
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We form one army brave,
As thousand drops, one wave,
All streams, one sea.
Glory to God our King!
Saviour, Thy kingdom bring,
Thy will be done;
Exert Thy glorious might,
Put all Thy foes to flight;
Triumphant, claim Thy right,
And wear Thy crown.
Saviour, Thy kingdom bring,
Thy will be done;
Exert Thy glorious might,
Put all Thy foes to flight;
Triumphant, claim Thy right,
And wear Thy crown.
BLEST BE THE BONDS OF CHRISTIAN LOVE.
Blest be the bonds of Christian love
That bind our hearts in one;
Blest foretaste of the bliss above,—
Our heaven on earth begun.
That bind our hearts in one;
Blest foretaste of the bliss above,—
Our heaven on earth begun.
Kindred in Christ, our hopes we rest,
Alike on His dear name;
One love inspires each throbbing breast,—
Our covenant-vows, the same.
Alike on His dear name;
One love inspires each throbbing breast,—
Our covenant-vows, the same.
Our prayers from many hearts ascend,—
One cloud before the throne;
Our many grateful voices blend
In one harmonious tone.
One cloud before the throne;
Our many grateful voices blend
In one harmonious tone.
So joy for joy, and tear for tear,
And grace for grace is given;
So the glad harvest, ripened here,
Shall crown our love in heaven.
And grace for grace is given;
So the glad harvest, ripened here,
Shall crown our love in heaven.
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A CENTENARY HYMN.
We reap to-day the glorious fruit
Of labor, prayers, and tears,
And, joyful, sing the precious root,
Strong with its hundred years.
Of labor, prayers, and tears,
And, joyful, sing the precious root,
Strong with its hundred years.
In cold and heat, in calm and storm,
The thickening fibres spread,—
Modelled in heaven, its life and form
With heavenly juices fed.
The thickening fibres spread,—
Modelled in heaven, its life and form
With heavenly juices fed.
And far o'er all these sunny slopes,
The outstretched boughs expand;
True to the fathers' early hopes,
It shades and fills the land.
The outstretched boughs expand;
True to the fathers' early hopes,
It shades and fills the land.
Honored and loved, where none molests,—
His labor finished well,—
The noble planter calmly rests,
Where first the fruitage fell.
His labor finished well,—
The noble planter calmly rests,
Where first the fruitage fell.
And still the healing branches toss,
And still its head it rears,
Feels no decay, and shows no loss,
Strong with its hundred years.
And still its head it rears,
Feels no decay, and shows no loss,
Strong with its hundred years.
Come from the weary toil and strife,
And sit beneath the shade;
And hail it, like the tree of life,
Whose leaf shall never fade.
And sit beneath the shade;
And hail it, like the tree of life,
Whose leaf shall never fade.
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