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Devotional Verses

Founded on and Illustrative of select Texts of Scripture [by Bernard Barton]

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106

SIGNS AND TOKENS.

“He that observeth the wind, shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” —Ecclesiastes, xi. 4.

Christian pilgrim, seeking still
Zion's high and holy hill,
May thy Lord to thee impart
Single eye, and stedfast heart.
Place thy trust in grace, divine,
Heed not thou each changing sign;
Shouldst thou witness many a change,
Count not these as tokens strange.
Winds may rise of fearful sound,
Darkest clouds may gather round,
These may usher cloudless day,
Those but waft thee on thy way.
He who watcheth winds that blow,
May too long neglect to sow;
He who waits lest clouds should rain,
Harvest never shall obtain.

107

Signs and tokens false may prove,
Trust thou in a Saviour's love,
In his sacrifice for sin,
And his Spirit's power within.
Keep thou Zion-ward thy face,
Ask in faith the aid of grace,
Use the strength which grace shall give,
Die to self—in Christ to live.
Faith in God, if such be thine,
Shall be found thy safest sign,
And obedience to His will
Prove the best of tokens still.