Poems and Hymns of Millennial Dawn (1890)
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FROM THE LIBRARY OF
REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D.
BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO
THE LIBRARY OF
PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
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LIBRARY OF PRINCETON
FEB 21 1935
THELLG LIL SEMINARY
POEMS
AND
HYMNS
OF
DAWN.
"A bending staff I would not break,
A feeble faith I would not shake.
Nor even rudely pluck away
The error which some truth may stay.
Whose sudden loss might leave without
A shield against the shafts of doubt."
TOWER PUBLISHING CO.
BIBLE HOUSE.
1890.
ALLEGHENY, PA.,
U. S. A.
To the King of kings and Lord of lords:
IN THE INTEREST OF
HIS CONSECRATED "SAINTS."
WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION.
"ALL THAT IN EVERY PLACE CALL UPON THE LORD"— "THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH,"
AND OF
THE GROANING CREATION TRAVAILING AND WAITING FOR THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD,
This Work is Dedicated.
"To make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the begin ning of the world hath been hid in God." "Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposod in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of the times He might gather together in one, all things, under Christ."—Eph. 1:8-10; 3:4, 5, 9.
COPYRIGHT 1890. TOWER PUBLISHING CO. ALLEGHENY, PA.
INTRODUCTION.
Necessity is the best of all reasons. A necessity seems to call for just such a volume of hymns and poems as the one here presented, and therefore it is.
Grand truths are made yet grander and more beautiful as smoothly and soothingly they flow in rhyme; and for family worship, and for social public gatherings of the Lord's children, nothing can be much more profitable to them or more pleasing to our Lord than united prayer and praise in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs—singing and making melody unto the Lord from the heart.
True, there are already many collections of poems and of hymns, most of which contain some that are grand and beautiful, and some might therefore question the necessity of a new collection. Collections in general, however, contain much more of chaff than of golden grain; and each collection seems to have omitted many of the choicest and to have included many undesirable. Hence it seemed to us expedient, and the Lord's will, to prepare this fresh collection. From it we have endeavored to leave out all chaff; and though we cannot hope that we have herein garnered all the worthy grain, we certainly have winnowcd very carefully and have found and brought together a collection which in our judgment is without an equal, and just what God's consecrated children will rejoice to see.
It will be observed that the hymns selected generally represent the attitude of truly consecrated believers, whose sins have been forgiven, and not of unbelievers and sinners desiring to find God and to obtain forgiveness. We regard it as improper for any to take the Lord's praise into his mouth until he has believed, and hence until forgiven. (See Psa. 50:16.) We believe, too, that it is very unbecoming to the Lord's saints to take the attitude of sinners, and to sing, for instance—
"Depth of mercy, can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear;
Me, the chief of sinners spare?"—
and many of the same stamp. And it seems equally improper that a hymn should be addressed and sung to sinners, as—
"Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,"—
when the idea should be that of worship to the Lord praise, prayer and thankfulness. Hence none of the usual revival hymns are included in this collection, which is strictly what its name indicates—Poems and Hymns of the Dawn—for the Bride, and for all the Redeemed.
Not fettered by sectarian boundary lines, we have gathered from everywhere—from the Methodist and the Presbyterian Hymnals, from Winnowed Hymns, from the Gospel Hymns Consolidated, from the Jubilee Harp, and from others a few. As these hymns and poems are read, it will be noticed that though written under varying circumstances, and some of them centuries apart, the one holy Spirit of the one Master must have more or less controlled and inspired the noble and beautiful truths and sentiments expressed. (We do not mean a plenary inspiration, such as we attribute to the prophets and apostles, but an inspiration resulting from a familiarity and sympathy with the plenary inspirations and teachings of the Scriptures.)
While some of these poems have been altered somewhat to bring them into full harmony with the yet clearer light of the "harvest" time, the intelligent reader will be impressed with the thought that though these poets believed themselves to belong to the various sects, yet really they were all of the one church, partakers of the one spirit, taught by the one Lord.
We have not affixed the names of the writers to each poem, for two reasons: first, because we cannot surely know the authorship of all of them; and second, because we could not know whether the authors would in every instance like to have their names attached on account of the alterations made. Our decision has therefore been to mention the authors' names, so far as known, only in the Index, and there to indicate by a mark * which have been altered. This arrangement we trust will be agreeable to many and offensive to none.
The poems not set to music we have placed first in order and have arranged them, so far as possible, to tell the story of God's plan for man's salvation and of the believers' faith and growth in grace and trust connectedly.
The hymns, it will be noticed, are arranged in alphabetical order. We trust that this will prove a convenience to all who may use the book, as it will save time and annoyance in searching an index. Tunes suitable to the hymns are indicated at the head of each, so far as possible, and as often as possible the numbers of the same in either Winnowed Hymns, Gospel Hymns Consolidated, the Epworth Hymnal, Songs of Pilgrimage or Jubilee Harp, which are indicated by the abreviations W. H., G. H., S. P. and J. H. Where a number meet together one copy each, of the above named books would be convenient for the sake of the music.
Those who will feel the deepest interest in this collection, and whose sentiments will be most fully voiced in its verses, will undoubtedly be those in fullest degree of sympathy with the divine plan of the ages, as set forth in the several volumes of MILLENNIAL DAWN, the eyes of whose understandings have been opened to the clearer, purer light now shining from our great Redeemer's cross, showing the fullness and the completeness of his salvation.
In fact, this volume, while not numbered as one of the volumes of the Millennial Dawn series, is designed to be a companion volume, a melodious accompaniment to the "new song," "the song of Moses and the Lamb" (the grand harmony of the law and the gospel), as presented in the regular Dawn series.
Let the music of God's good and great plan ring through your hearts and lives, dear fellow-pilgrims and fellowmembers of the "royal priesthood," so that every day and every hour shall be filled with joy and praise and thankfulness. And that this-little volume may assist in deepening the work of grace in your hearts is our object and our prayer in its preparation.
With grateful thankfulness to our Lord and Master who has blessed me and the work thus, I acknowledge the very valuable assistance of my life-companion and faithful co-laborer in the editing of this volume, and pray blessings upon all who use the book similar to that we have enjoyed in its compilation. Most respectfully,
Your servant in Christ, C. T. RUSSELL.
Allegheny, Pa., U. S. A.
POEMS OF DAWN.
THE OLD, OLD STORY.
Inquirer.—
TELL ME the old, old story. Some say from heav'n above, One, Jesus, left great glory To show to men God's love.
Tell me the story simply, As to a little child; For I of sin am weary, Dissatisfied, defiled.
Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in That story of redemption God's remedy for sin.
Tell me the story clearly How Christ a ransom gave. O friend, am I the sinner Whom Jesus came to save?
Young Christian.—
Tell me the story often; For I forget so soon: The early dew of morning Has passed away at noon.
Tell me the same old story, When you have cause to fear That this world's empty glory Is costing me too dear.
Christian in Affliction.—
Tell me the story always, If you would really be, In any time of trouble, A comforter to me.
Tell me the story sweetly, In calm and soothing strain, And let its blessed message Refresh my soul again.
Yes, and while coming glory Is dawning on my soul. Tell me the old, old story: 'Twill help me reach the goal.
REPLY.
You ask me for the story How Jesus, from above, Left all his heavenly glory, To prove that God is love.
Weil, you shall have the story. The old,old story,too; And I am pleased to tell it; To me'tis always new.
I'd gladly tell to some one These tidings every day. I never should grow weary Of pointing out the way;—
The way to life and glory, Whose end is bliss complete, In which the blest old story Directs our willing feet.
And as you hear these tidings Of joy and peace, you'll see They're not the awful warnings Of endless misery;—
Of a death "whose pang outlasts The quiv'ring, fleeting breath," Round which "eterna! horrors hang," A never dying death.
And this, the hopeless doom for all Except a little flock. You see they do not comprehend The precious old, old Book,—
But as the herald angels sang, Good news without alloy,* Which yet "shall to all people be Good tidings of great joy."
The story of our mournful fall * From Eden's blissful state, Into the depths of sin and death, † Called pity forth so great—
That, from his shining courts above, God sent his own dear Son; ‡ And by his full empowered arm, For us deliv'rance won.
Not in a way which set aside His wise and just decree, That whosoe'er his law defied Must therefore cease to be; $
But by rend'ring unto justice The fullest satisfaction, || That thus he might be just, and still Perform the great transaction—
Saving a lost and ruined race To endless life and glory. This is the burden of his plan, So I'll begin the story.
In Eden's pleasant garden ** God placed a perfect pair; Their surroundings were delightful, Their eternal prospects fair.
Poems of Dawn.
But soon they disobeyed him In the only thing denied:* Forbidden fruit they tasted, So in course of time they died.
Yet even with this sentence God's mercy was declared In a promise of redemption, Through the woman's seed prepared.
Yes, one of Eve's descendants Should bring to all the rest The boon of life thus promised. And all through him be blest.
He should be Son of Eve, But Son of God as well; And bring a full salvation, The Holy Scriptures tell.
Thus he'd be a new creation Son of God and Son of Eve, That naught of Adam's condemnation He might from him receive.
Thus he'd escape the condemnation That fell on Adam's race, And be a suitable oblation To take the sinner's place.
He did not come by sinful blood, Though Mary was a sinner; His spotless life was but transferred Into the human nature.
And thus for us he was made poor Who once in glory reigned, [pow'r, That we, made rich through love's great Might be to life regained.
Four thousand years passed over, Adam and Eve had died, And all mankind were struggling In death's o'erwhelming tide.
One night some shepherds, watching * On fair Judea's plains, A heavenly light saw streaming And heard angelic strains.
One of the holy angels f Had come from heav'n above, To tell the then new story Of God's and Christ's great love.
[ For 'tis not only love of Christ, But of Jehovah first, Who planned the great deliv'rance, The bands of death to burst.
Who "sent" his well-beloved Son, The idol of his heart, Thus commending his love to us $ By a sacrificer's part— In the great plan his love devised, Which Christ was pleased with too.
Thus love of God, and love of Christ,* Are both brought to our view.]
He came to bring good tidings Saying, you must not fear; For Christ, your new-born Savior Lies in the village near.
And a multitude of angels Joined in an anthem then: "Glory to God in the highest, Peace on earth, good will to men!"
And was that strange new story true? They went at once to see, And found the babe in a manger, Yes, it was truly he—
The Seed that had been promised So many ages past, Had come to save lost sinners: Yes, he had come at last.
The babe to lovely boyhood grew, And then to manhood's prime; Then, "Lo, I come, Thy will to do, O God," he said, "not mine."
He did his work so faithfully It was his heart's delight To show the path of duty From early dawn till night.
He heard tales of sin and sorrow With a sympathetic ear, And lifted heavy burdens Of sorrow, sin and care.
He, too, was a man of sorrows, * Acquainted with our grief. Hence his sympathy a brother's Which brought with it relief.
Indeed, of him it is written, Our sorrows he did bear. And all our griefs he carried. O, what a load of care!—
And that he bore our sicknesses, † When he gave the healing balm. And virtue from his body went, § Human sufferings to calm.
Thus from the day of baptism His sacrifice began; And then he said, "It is finished," When he gave his life for man.
Such was "the man, Christ Jesus," Savior of fallen man: You've heard of his death so tragic. But 'twas part of God's good plan.
Wicked priests stirred up the people To clamor for his life, And the Roman law was feeble To withstand their restless strife.
And so the man Christ Jesus Was crucified and slain, Though not a single proof was given Of any sinful stain.
Meekly for us he bore disgrace And undeserved pain, Submitted to the cruel cross For our eternal gain.
Look, dear one, if you can bear it, Look at our dying Lord; Draw near the cross; behold him, "Behold the Lamb of God!" *
How his hands and feet are mangled, And before his suffering face, Hard, cruel men stand mocking At his undeserved disgrace.
A crown of thorns they've placed upon His truly royal brow; How little do they comprehend The "King of Glory" now.
With heartless laugh and cruel scorn They told him to come down, And leave that cross of suffering And take a kingly crown.
But little did they realize What cost 'twould be to men, Or that he could have done it \ast And spared himself the pain.
And that'twas love that held him there A willing sacrifice, Preferring even death to share, To bring to men release.
Yes, he became man's surety. The debt we could not pay He willingly paid for us, On that dark, dreadful day.
For his bride, the church, he suffered, 'Twas for our sins he died; And not for our sins only, † But all the world's beside.
From infancy to thirty years I The perfect man was coming; And there he was acceptable, God's Lamb for a sin-off'ring. $ At once to John, on Jordan's banks.
He came to symbolize His consecration e'en to death, And, too, that he should rise—
Be lifted up by God's own power, From out the silent grave; That death, led captive in that hour, Should prove him strong to save.
Thus with our Lord this solemn rite Did a new meaning gain; No sins had he to wash away, No evil to restrain.
His life, without one sinful spot. Was pleasing in God's sight: Even his enemies found naught But what was pure and right.
Assured of this, the prophet John From such a task drew back. $ Saying, I've need to be baptized of thee, In whom there is no lack.
And comest thou to me,to be Baptized in Jordan's wave? Yea,"suffer it to be so now," Said he who came to save.
This speaking symbol did proclaim His consecration and his faith That he should rise in God's own name, Though faithful unto death.
His station in life was lowly, He was a working man: * Hence knows the poor man's trials As only a poor man can.
The three years of his ministry After the age of thirty, Were busy years of toils and cares, Teaching the way of duty:
The duty of love to God and man, Which is the law's fulfilling; † And then of trust in God's great plan, ‡ To save all who are willing. §
His mighty works in those three years But shadowed forth his glory, || His kingly ministry will end The plan of this old story.
As when he opened blinded eyes And unstopped deafened ears And even waked the dead to life And gave sweet smiles for tears: So then he'll cause the blind to see, And all the dead shall hear; * And his kind hand from every eye, Shall wipe the falling tear.
†
Beauty he'll give for ashes, oil Of joy for heaviness; + And in the end, with joy and praise, Rightness and peace shall kiss. §
In his teaching was the freshness And simplicity of truth, Which corrected false traditions Men had cherished from their youth.
Many said, this Jesus speaketh As ne'er before man spake; || With authority he teacheth: ** Yet his words they would not take.
His sacrificed humanity \dagger\dagger
Remains an off'ring still,
Though, as the high exalted One, \ddagger\ddagger
He lives to save who will.
He lives; and at his coming, § § He'll wake them from the dust— In the glad Millennial morning When all will learn to trust.
Then he'll banish sin and sorrow * And triumph o'er the grave, When from death, on that glad morrow, Earth's ransomed hosts he'll save.
Yes, at the time appointed By the Father's wise decree The "Times of glad Refreshing" Earth's blood-bought hosts shall see.
A highway grand he'll then cast up, § And gather out the stones; And up to everlasting life He'll lead obedient ones.
No lion shall go up thereon, Nor any ravenous beast; For all the ills these symbolize Forevermore must cease.
The desert he will make to bloom ** And blossom as the rose; Beside the lion and the lamb † † May the young child repose.
For nothing shall offend or hurt \ddagger In all his holy mountain; And evil, sin and death shall be Washed out in Calv'ry's fountain.
In a thousand years of reigning * He'll instruct and train and bless; And fully he'll establish them In life and righteousness.
To his Father he'll present them—† Pure, blameless, without fault; And earth's dominion he'll restore, \textcircled{+} The once possessed, and lost. §
With lasting joy and singing || They shall come to Zion's mount: But of Zion's wondrous glory I must give you an account.
But where begins the story Of this "Seed of Abraham"? ** How can pen portray thy glory, Thou "Bride of God's own Lamb"? ††
True Zion is a "little flock," The Lord's own faithful few, Who firmly build upon the rock § With truths both old and new.
Called to be sons and heirs of God, And bride of his dear Son || They sacrifice the earthly good To join the heav'nly One.
They mark the steps their Leader trod, And in his shining track, With courage high and faith in God Follow and ne'er turn back—*
Till life itself goes out in night; Faithful unto the end, They walk by faith,and not by sight And every talent spend.
Worthy are they to be his bride- The bride of God's Anointed, Whom, for the work of blessing all, Jehovah hath appointed.
This is the New Jerusalem, † This is the great Mount Zion, § Heav'nly, from God it shall come down, Its King is Judah's Lion.
In exaltation these shall shine— A "Sun of Righteousness," || They shall be like their Lord, "divine,"** And men and angels bless. † †
Now in her low and trial state, Despised and scorned of men, This "little flock," the church of Christ, Delights to follow him.
Poems of Dawn.
Her glory and exceeding joy In symbols now appear;* Yet of that grace without alloy She has a foretaste here.
Now she's a troop of "soldiers" Following Christ's command, His flock of "sheep" well tended, Well fed from his own hand.
She's a band of the Lord's "brethren" \textcircled{S}
Of whom he's not ashamed,
And the very "salt of earth" \parallel
She is also well named.
She's also the "light of the world,"** Amidst gross darkness shining, Since her dear Lord his light withdrew From men, the undeserving.
And she's called an "espoused virgin" ‡ While waiting for her Lord. Like a meek and comely maiden She trusts his faithful word.
But when she has crossed the borders Into the promised land, His glorious bride and full joint-heir § She'll be at Christ's right hand.
Together, they'll be a "Priesthood," * A "Royal Priesthood," too; And their royal, priestly power Shall make earth's all things new.
Then together they're presented As King enthroned and great; Jesus as the head considered, $ And the body his elect.
This Christ shall be the "Prince of Peace," "Wonderful," "Counselor;"
A "Mighty God" of truth and grace, Man's "Everlasting Father." ||
As mighty Prophet, Priest and King, In "Times of Restitution,"** He shall to men salvation bring— An everlasting portion.
But to share this exaltation, Christ's bride must like him be; † † And the "first resurrection" + + Shall complete her perfectly.
Though this chief and heav'nly portion "The Elect" alone shall gain, Yet for others there's salvation, From every sinful stain.
Such of all earth's teeming millions As obey "That Prophet's" voice * Shall be saved from sin's dominion: Christ will grant to each the choice.
Yet remember, all this blessing Which to earth and men shall come Is dependent on Christ's coming: Hence we pray "Thy Kingdom come."
To claim his Bride he comes with stealth, Not then to men appearing; [wealth, First she's endowed with pow'r and Then comes the world's great blessing.
This Christ, the "Sun of Righteousness," Shall rise with healing beams, And as the glorious years progress Sweet peace shall flow in streams.
There naught that's wrong shall be term'd right,
Nor right as wrong appear; \dagger
The Lord, the Way, the Life, the Truth,
Shall make the right most clear.
When for his Bride the Lord has come, With joy and glad surprise, He will be only visible To faith's anointed eyes; $ Until she is made like him And sees him as he is, * And her blessed hope's fruition The heavenly Father gives.
Quickly she hears his welcome voice, † Not borne upon the wind, Nor in the secret chamber ‡ Does she her loved one find.
But in the prophecies fulfilled, $ And in the signs foretold, By faith, with fullest confidence, She doth her Lord behold.
For him she's long been waiting And watching night and day; And for his promised kingdom She has never ceased to pray.
Christ's appearing to the world at large Will be in wrathful token,** With "iron rod" and heavy scourge. Because God's law they've broken.
Human pride will not be willing To yield to his control; And selfishness will aggravate The weakness from the fall.
The kings of earth and lords of lands, The rich and clergy too, Will cling to pow 'r within their hands As erst they used to do.
"A time of trouble" there shall be On every tribe and nation; With fear and trembling earth shall see Its greatest tribulation.*
Empires and thrones shall disappear, And creeds and systems fall; And on their ruins God will rear His kingdom over all.
Yet to men this tribulation Is a blessing in disguise. The desire of every nation— † God's Kingdom—then shall rise.
That is "the good time coming," though This dark night lies between, Whose gathering shadows even now, By thinking men are seen.
'Twill teach mankind the lesson Which eternally will last— That sin brings tribulation, And virtue blessings vast.
Then fetters and bonds all broken, And idols all destroyed, The bow of peace, God's token, O'er man shall e'er abide.
Poems of Dawn.
Knowledge of God shall fill the earth As waters cover the sea;* [mirth And praise, thanksgiving, and voice of Make sweetest melody.
There joyfully men will press along The highway to perfection, With faith and hope and courage strong Under divine direction.
When crowned at last with perfect life And everlasting joy, [praise They'll raise to heaven their notes of Through Christ this Victory!
I And those who shall refuse him—
Few, exceptions of the race— Who when clear knowledge fills the earth, Reject the proffered grace—
These shall not further thus proceed, A second time they'll die; They'll be cut off as God hath said, The soul that sins shall die.
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From the Adamic fall, They forfeit by not willing good, The terms of life to all.] Thus will the work be finished Because our debt was paid, Because on Christ, the righteous.
The sin of all was laid.
Wherefore, because Christ did this work. He's now exalted high, * To nature and to power divine, † Never again to die.
O, this wonderful redemption! God's remedy for sin; The way to life it opened ‡ That all might enter in.
Who! who hath been God's counselor?§ Or who hath known his mind? Not one of all the heav'nly host, And surely not mankind.
This wisdom, power, love and grace. His blessed Word reveals. Are but the beamings of his face In whom all goodness dwells.
Thus runs the old,old story Do you now take it in? This wonderful redemption God's remedy for sin.
Search the Scriptures, and believe it: The Bible says it's true; 'Tis provided for all sinners, And therefore meant for you.
Then take this great salvation, Which our Father loves to give; Just now by faith receive it, In due time you shall live.
And if this simple message Has now brought peace to you, Make known the old, old story; For others need it too.
Go tell the blessed tidings That legally we're free $ * From sin and pain and dying, To live eternally.
By faith enjoy the prospect now, And by and by fruition; Let every act of life now show Your thanks for this salvation.
Soon shall our eyes behold it Salvation from above! The theme of this old story Of precious, heavenly love.
Christian Experience and Joy.—
"I love to tell the story Of gracious, heavenly love; How Jesus left his glory, That wondrous love to prove.
"I love to tell the story, Because I know it's true; It satisfies my longings As nothing else would do.
"I love to tell the story! More wonderful it seems, Than all the golden fancies Of all our golden dreams.
"I love to tell the story! It did so much for me; And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
"I love to tell the story! 'Tis pleasant to repeat What seems, each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet.
"I love to tell the story, For some have never heard The message of salvation From God's own holy Word.
"I love to tell the story! For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it, like the rest.
"And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, 'Twill be the old, old story That I have loved so long."
THE OATH-CLAD PROMISE—THE GOSPEL.
GEN. 22:16,18. GAL. 3:8,16,29.
From the Scriptures of truth this conclusion we draw, —2 Tim. 3:16; John 17:17.
That the wisdom of men nor the works of the law 1 Cor. 1:19; Isa. 5:21; Rom. 3:20.
Have the power to cleanse, nor forgive, nor to save, Rom. 10:4; Heb. 7:19.
Nor restore from the curse,nor redeem from the grave. —Gal. 3:21; 2:16, 21.
Men are saved by their faith in the Crucified One, Rom. 10:9; Acts 16:31; Heb. 11:6.
When his love and his goodness to them are made known.
Rom 10:12 15:1 Cor 1:21 John 3:18:1 Tim 2:36
Saving faith comes by hearing the life-giving word,
—Rom. 10:17; Phil. 2:16.
And the mercy of God through the Savior con-
ferred.
—2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Tim. 2:3-6.
All who will may be saved by obedient faith. John 3:18; Rev. 22:14-17.
And may gain life unending through Christ, by his death. —Mark 10:30,
For the gospel salvation to all is made free:
—Titus 2:11.
As they heed its instruction their judgment will be. Rom. 2:16; John 3:18.
Endless life is for those who the gospel accept,
John 3:16; Mark 10:30; Rom. 6:23.
But death is the portion of those who reject.
Acts 3:23; Heb. 10:26, 27; Rom. 6:23.
For there's no other way that's revealed by the Lord Acts 4:12; John 14:6 To redeem fallen man but through Christ and his word. Titus 2:13, 14; Gal. 3:13.
"The heavens are the Lord's, but the earth he hath given —Psa. 115:16; Isa. 45:18.
To the children of men," as their home and their heaven. —Psa. 37:29; Matt. 6:10.
Wicked rulers and nations thus far have borne sway —Dan. 2; 2 Tim. 3:13; Isa. 60:2.
And their reign has led down from the gold to the clay. —Dan. 2:31, 44.
But the age for the world's promised blessing is
But the age for the world's promised blessing is near,—Gen. 12:3; 22:18; Psa. 72:17; Rev. 15:4. When the true light that lighteth all men shall appear. John 1:4,7,9; 8:12; Dan. 2:44. God has been taking out from the world for his name Acts 15:14; Rev. 5:9,10. A faithful, tried people with Jesus to reign.
-2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 7:14; Mark 10:30.
Those sleeping in Christ from the dead will arise,
—1 Cor. 15:23, 52.
And with "those who remain" meet the Lord of
the skies. —1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Mark 13:27.
These elect ones with Christ shall forever abide,
—1 Thess. 4:17.
And he'll honor and glorify them as his bride.
—John 3:29; Matt. 25:1; Rom. 7:17, 18.
Then, come to the earth with his chosen again,
He will over the nations commence his just reign.
—Matt. 25:31,32; Luke 1:32,33; Isa. 2:3; 9:6,7.
As a body perfected the "seed" will then bless
1 Cor. 12:27; Col. 1:18; Gen. 22:18.
All the nations of earth with the blessings of peace.
Gal. 3:8, 16, 29; Luke 2:10, 14.
All the powers of earth to an end shall be brought, Psa.10; Rev. 2:26,27; Jer.25; 29,33.
And their rule and authority soon come to naught.
-1 Cor. 15:24; Phil. 2:10.
All their glory and pride like the chaff pass away, —Dan. 2:35.
And Christ and his chosen in mercy bear sway. Dan. 7:27; Psa. 22:27,28; Luke 22:29,30; 19:17.
When he speaks to the earth she uncovers her slain,
—Isa. 26:19,21; Hosea 13:14.
And they all hear his voice and to life rise again.
—John 5:28; 1 Cor. 15:22.
He must reign until all things to him are subdued,—1 Cor. 15:25,28; 2 Cor. 5:19.
And the face of the earth from the curse is renewed. Rev. 22:3; 21:5.
These times of refreshing and blessing are near,
—Acts 3:19,21; Matt. 24:33.
And Christ's life-giving power will shortly appear. Col. 3:3,4; Mark 10:30; John 11:25; Matt. 28:18. He will banish the curse and perfection restore,
—Psa. 104:30; Rev. 22:3.
And the earth fill with gladness and beauty once more. Isa. 35; 55:10, 13.
Then sorrow and death and corruption will cease,
Rev. 21:4.
And the world shall be clothed in the garments of peace. —Zech. 9:10; Isa. 2:4.
When he rules in the earth the glad tidings are heard,
—Psa. 22:28; Isa. 45:23; Acts 15:16, 17; 1 Tim. 2:6. And the world shall remember and turn to the Lord. —Psa. 22:27.
All nations shall worship the Lord then with fear. Psa.86:9; Rev.15:4; Psa.67:4.
And all men join in praise when his words they shall hear. —Rev. 5:13; Psa. 102:15.
And they look upon him whom in wrath they had slain, —Zech. 12:10; Acts 2:23, 36.
They will bitterly mourn and acknowledge their sin, —Ezek: 36:31; 16:61, 63.
And gladly accept him, their long-looked-for King.
Then the promised possession the Lord will restore.
And their numerous sins he'll remember no more.
-Jer. 31:33, 34; Ezek. 36:33; Rom. 11:27.
Jerusalem will, with the Lord as its Light,
Isa. 52:9,10; 65:18,19; Psa. 48:2. From this city most glorious life's waters shall flow, Zech. 14:8; Joel 2:18; Rev. 22:1
And the life-giving trees on its borders shall grow. —Ezek. 47:1,12; Rev. 22:1,2; 2:7.
As the curse is removed this blest city of love Rev.22:3;20;9
Is enlarged and made one with the city above.
—Rev. 21:10; Dan. 2:35,44.
Poems of Dawn.
All honor and glory to the Lord shall be given,
—Num. 14:21; Rev. 5:12.
And his will on the earth will be done as in heaven.
—Matt. 6:10.
SALVATION FULL AND FREE.
— ROMANS 3:24. —
NOTHING to pay? No, not a whit. Nothing to give? No, not a bit. All that was needed to give or to pay Jesus hath done in God's own blessed way.
Nothing to do? No, not a stroke; Foiled is the captor, broken the yoke. Jesus at Calvary severed the chain, And none can imprison his free men again.
Nothing to fear? No, not a jot. Nothing within? No, not a spot. Christ is at peace, and I've nothing at stake; Satan can neither harass me nor shake.
Nothing to settle? All has been paid. Nothing to anger? Peace has been made Jesus alone is the sinner's resource; Peace he has made by the blood of his cross.
What about judgment? I'm thankful to say Jesus has met it and borne it away; Drank it all up when he hung on the tree, Leaving a cup full of blessing for me.
What about terror? It hasn't a place In a heart that is filled with a sense of his grace. My peace is most sweet, and it never can cloy And that makes my heart bubble over with joy.
Nothing of guilt? No, not a stain;
How could the blood even one let remain?
My conscience is purged, and my spirit is free;
Precious that blood is to God and to me.
What of the law? Ah, there I rejoice; Christ answered its claims and silenced its voice. The law was fulfilled when the work was all done, And it never accuses a justified one.
What about death? It hasn't a sting;
The grave to a Christian no terror can bring;
For death has been conquer'd, the grave has been spoiled,
And every foeman and enemy foiled.
What about feelings? Ah! trust not to them. What of my standing? Who shall condemn? Since God is for me, there is nothing so clear From Satan and man I have nothing to fear.
What of my body? Ah! that I did bring To God, as a holy, acceptable thing. It now is the temple where Jesus abides, The temple where God by his Spirit resides.
What of my future? 'Tis glorious and fair. Sincejustified, sanctified, glory I 'll share.
Poems of Dawn.
By his blood first redeem'd, by his grace then enthroned,
Side by side with my Lord, as his Bride I'll be owned.
What then dost thou ask? O glory shall follow:
What then, dost thou ask? O, glory shall follow, Earth shall rejoice in the dawn of the morrow. To rule and to bless comes that kingdom and reign;
Flee then, shall sorrow, death, crying and pain.
WHY DOST THOU WAIT?
POOR trembling sheep! Ah! who outside the fold
Has bid thee stand, all weary as thou art,
Dangers around thee, and the bitter cold Creeping and growing into thy inmost heart?
Who bids thee wait till some mysterious feeling, Thou knowest not what-perchance may'st never know—
Shall find thee, when in darkness thou art kneeling,
And fill thee with a rich and wondrous glow Of love and faith; and change to warmth and light
The chill and darkness of thy spirit's night!
For miracles like this who bids thee wait? Behold, "God's precious word to thee is, Come, The tender Shepherd opens wide the gate, And in his love would gently lead thee home.
Why shouldst thou wait? Long centuries ago, O timid sheep, the Shepherd paid for thee! Thou art His own. Wouldst thou his beauty know,
Nor trust the love which yet thou canst not see? Thou hast not learned this lesson to receive: More blest are they who see not, yet believe.
Still dost thou wait for feeling? Dost thou say, "Fain would I love and trust, but hope is dead; I have no faith, and without faith, who may
Rest in the blessing which is only shed Upon the faithful? I must stand and wait." Not so. The Shepherd does not ask of thee Faith in thy faith, but only faith in Him,
And this he meant in saying, "Come to Me." In light or darkness, seek to do his will. And leave the work of faith to Jesus still.
JESUS OF NAZARETH.
IN THE gray twilight of a dreary morn, A prisoner stood, defenceless and forlorn, While, to a Roman judge, with boisterous breath, His fierce accusers clamored for his death.
It was our Lord, rejected and abused; The King of kings, his sovereign claim refused; The Son of God, abandoned and betrayed, An outcast, in the world which he had made.
It was his chosen people whose demand That timid judge was powerless to withstand; Poems of Dawn.
And, while their baseless charges he denied, He gave their victim to be crucified.
His chosen people, those he loved and blest; Whose little ones he folded to his breast; Who cried more fiercely, as unmoved he stood. "On us, and on our children, be his blood!"
O holy Savior! may thy grace reverse The dreadful import of that reckless curse; And on their children, let thy ransom prove "The blood of sprinkling," through Redeeming Love!
LORD, GIVE ME THIS!
— LUKE XI : 13. —
0 HEAVENLY Father, thou hast told Of a gift more precious than pearls and gold; A gift that is free to every one. Through Jesus Christ, thy only Son. For his sake, give this to me.
O give it to me, for Jesus said That a father giveth his children bread, And how much more thou wilt surely give The gift by which the dead shall live? For Christ's sake, give this to me.
I cannot see, and I want the sight;
I am in the dark, and I want the light;
I want to pray, and I don't know how;
O give me thy Holy Spirit now!
For Christ's sake, give this to me.
Since thou hast said it, I must believe It is only "ask" and I shall receive: Since thou hast said it, it must be true. And there's nothing else for me to do! For Christ's sake, give this to me.
So I come and ask, because my need Is very great and real indeed. On the strength of thy Word I come and say Oh! let thy Word come true to-day! For Christ's sake, give this to me!
FILLED WITH CHRIST'S FULLNESS.
JESUS, my Lord, thou art my life. My rest in labor, strength in strife; Thy love begets my love of thee; Thy fullness that which filleth me.
Long, long, I struggled ere I knew My struggling vain, my life untrue. I sought by efforts of my own What is the gift of Christ alone.
I prayed, and wrestled in my prayer. I wrought, but self was ever there; Joy never came, nor rest, nor peace, Nor faith, nor hope, nor love's increase.
My effort vain, my weakness learned. Weary, from self to Christ I turned, Content to let his fullness be An unbought fullness unto me.
Poems of Dawn.
Life's heavenly secret was revealed In Christ all riches are concealed. We try and fail; we ask, he gives And in his rest our spirit lives.
O peaceful rest! O life Divine! My efforts cannot make thee mine. I yield my sinful heart to thee, And in thy love thou fillest me.
MEAT IN DUE SEASON.
THE HUNGRY, starving soul doth cry. Feed me, or I must cease to be; And let the bread of life supply My spirit's great necessity.
Nor think it strange. All things of life Require their food, their vital air; And perish on their field of strife, If life's supplies are wanting there.
The dews descend on thirsty flowers; The heavens send radiance from above; And so these hungry souls of ours Live in the dews and rays of love.
Jesus is love; the living bread;
His own dear life he doth bestow;
And souls who on that life are fed,
The pangs of hunger shall not know.
Poems of Dawn.
INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT.
OUT OF disaster and ruin complete, Out of the struggle and dreary defeat, Out of my sorrow, and burden, and shame, Out of the evils too fearful to name, Out of my guilt and the criminal's doom, Out of the dreading, and terror, and gloom;
Into the sense of forgiveness and rest, Into inheritance with all the blest, Into a righteous and permanent peace, Into the grandest and fullest release, Into the comfort without an alloy, Into a perfect and permanent joy.
Wonderful love that has wrought all for me! Wonderful work that has thus set me free! Wonderful ground upon which I have come! Wonderful tenderness, welcoming home!
Out of the terror at standing alone,
Out, and forever, of being my own,
Out of the hardness of heart and of will,
Out of the longings which nothing could fill,
Out of the bitterness, madness and strife,
Out of myself and of all I called life;
Into the light and the glory of God,
Into the holy, made clean by his blood,
Into his arms, the embrace and the kiss,
Into the scene of ineffable bliss,
Into the quiet, the infinite calm,
Into the place of the song and the psalm.
Wonderful holiness, bringing to light! Wonderful grace, putting all out of sight! Wonderful wisdom, devising the way! Wonderful power that nothing can stay!
ALL THINGS NEW.
THERE is something in the sunlight Which I never saw before; There's a note within the robin's song I did not hear of yore; There's something—ah! I know not what! But something everywhere That makes the world this morning seem Most marvelously fair!
I awakened very early And I watched the sun arise, And it seemed to me that heaven Must be dawning in the skies; For a glory and a gladness, Passing words of mine to show, Flashed from out the eastern portals On the waking world below.
All the water gleamed with gladness; Every streamer in the sky Seemed the arms of little children Flung in joyousness on high; All the birds on all the bushes Joined their melody to pour— Surely never was a morning Ushered in like this before!
Is it fact or is it fancy? Does the secret in my heart Unto everything it shines on Spurious joyousness impart? Or has all the world grown gladder, As it seems to me to-day? Is it true or is it seeming? Who shall tell? I cannot say.
Ah! I care not! Does it matter? 'Tis enough for me to know That the world to me is gladder Than it was a year ago. That on earth and sky and water Lies a radiance, false or true, That shall never fade or falter, Never be less strange or new!
If my heart thus gilds creation Well it may, for it is glad, Past the power of shade or shining Any more to make it sad. Never yet on earth or heaven, Never yet on land or sea, Shone the light of that great gladness Which my God has given me.
THE BLOOD-BOUGHT ROBE.
THE blood-bought robe I gladly wear. 'Tis one my neighbors, all, may share. A robe so perfect, pure and white, Its very folds reflect the light.
'T will also fit each form and size, Such wond'rous virtue in it lies; Every deformity 'twill hide, And deck the wearer like a bride.
This robe cannot with gold be bought, However much it may be sought; Titles of earth, genius, or fame, No share in it can ever claim.
But those who, counting all but dross, Bow low before the Saviour's cross, Believing he will hear their cry, And on his promises rely;
Who claim no merit of their own, Trusting in Jesus' name alone; This robe will cover, comfort, bless, For 'tis Christ's robe of Righteousness.
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP.
—LUKE 9:23.—
WOULD ye be my disciples? Consider again: Can ye follow my footsteps through trial and pain?
Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame, And live but to honor my cause and my name?
Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth, And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth, Despising earth's riches, and living to bless? Can you follow the feet of the shelterless?
Poems of Dawn.
Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men? Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again? Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs Who've watched for your falling, who've set for you snares?
When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise, The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes? Can ye come out to meet me whate'er the cost be, Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea?
When I call,can ye turn and in gladness "come out" From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart?
With naught but my promise on which to rely, Afar from their love—can ye lie down and die?
Yea, we'll take up the cross and in faith follow thee And bear thy reproach, thy disciples to be. Blest Saviour, for courage to thee we will fly; Of grace thou hast promised abundant supply.
THE CALL DIVINE.
TO-DAY, to-morrow, evermore,
Through cheerless nights without a star,
Not asking whither or how far,
Rejoicing though the way be sore,
Take up thy cross
And follow Me.
Poems of Dawn.
I cannot promise wealth or ease,
Fame, pleasure, length of days, esteem
These things are vainer than they seem
If thou canst turn from all of these,
Take up thy cross
And follow Me!
I promise only perfect peace,
Sweet peace that lives through years of strife,
Eternal love, immortal life,
And rest when all these wanderings cease.
Take up thy cross
And follow Me!
My yoke is easy—put it on;
My burden very light to bear.
Who shareth this, my crown shall share—
The present cross insures the crown.
Take up thy cross
And follow Me!
STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE.
TO PLAY through life a perfect part, Unnoticed and unknown;
To seek no rest in any heart
Save only God's alone;
In little things to own no will,
To have no share in great,
To find the labor ready still,
And for the crown to wait; Upon the brow to bear no trace Of more than common care; To write no secret in the face For men to read it there; The daily cross to clasp and bless With such familiar zeal As hides from all that not the less It's daily weight you feel;
In toils that praise will never pay To see your life go past; To meet in every coming day Twin sister of the last; To hear of high, heroic things, And yield them reverence due, But feel life's daily offerings Are far more fit for you;
To woo no secret, soft disguise, To which self-love is prone; Unnoticed by all other eyes, Unworthy in your own; To yield with such a happy art That no one thinks you care, Yet say to your poor bleeding heart, How little you can bear;—
Oh! 'tis a pathway rough to choose, A struggle hard to share, For human pride would still refuse The nameless trials there; But since we know the gate is low That leads to heavenly bliss, What higher grace could God bestow Than such a life as this.
TELL ME ABOUT THE MASTER.
TELL ME about the Master! I am weary and worn to-night; The day lies behind me in shadow, And only the evening is light! Light with a radiant glory That lingers about the west. My poor heart is aweary, aweary, And longs, like a child, for rest.
Tell me about the Master!
Of the hills he in loneliness trod,
When the tears and blood of his anguish
Dropped down on Judea's sod.
For to me life's seventy mile-stones
But a sorrowful journey mark;
Rough lies the hill country before me,
The mountains behind me are dark.
Tell me about the Master! Of the wrongs he freely forgave; Of his love and tender compassion, Of his love that is mighty to save; For my heart is aweary, aweary, Of the woes and temptations of life, Of the error that stalks in the noonday, Of falsehood and malice and strife.
Yet I know that whatever of sorrow Or pain or temptation befall, The infinite Master hath suffered, And knoweth and pitieth all.
So tell me the sweet old story, That falls on each wound like a balm. And my heart that is bruised and broken Shall grow patient and strong and calm.
OUR MASTER.
NO FABLE old, nor mythic lore. Nor dream of bards and seers, No dead fact stranded on the shore Of the oblivious years ;—
But warm, sweet, tender, even yet A present help is he. And faith has still its Olivet, And love its Galilee.
The healing of his seamless dress Is by our beds of pain; We touch him in life's throng and press, And we are whole again.
O Lord, and Savior of us all! O blessed Christ, divine! We own thy sway, we hear thy call, We test our lives by thine.
We faintly hear, we dimly see, In various phrase we pray; But, dim or clear, we own in Thee The Light, the Truth, the Way.
Our Friend, our Brother, and our Lord What may thy service be?— Not name, nor form, nor ritual word, But simply following thee.
To do thy will is more than praise, As words are less than deeds, And simple trust can find thy ways We miss with charts of creeds.
CHRIST ALL IN ALL.
IN CHRIST all fulness dwells: from him proceeds All that fall'n man, poor, wretched, guilty, needs.
In him the contrite, bruised in spirit find Whate 'er can heal the sorrows of the mind— Forgiving love, that saves from blank despair, Rich grace, that banishes each anxious care, Soft pity, that relieves the bursting sigh, And truth, revealing joys that never die. Thrice happy they, who to his word attend, His favor seek, and on his strength depend. 'Tis their's to know his heart-consoling voice, To share his smile, and in his name rejoice. To them, reclaimed in mercy from the fall And heav'nward marching, Christ is all in all : In want, their treasure—in distress, their stay— In gloom, their day-spring—vigor, in decay— 'Mid foes, their guard—in solitude, their guest— In storms, their hiding place—in toils, their rest— In bonds, their freedom—their relief, in pain— In life, their glory—and in all things, gain.
LET NOT DOUBTS O'ERWHELM.
How oft we doubt And fear we shall be overwhelmed in sin, Because temptation grows so strong without, Because our courage is so faint within.
And thus we sigh:
Then can it be that I have known the Lord?
Can I be one with him that sits on high?
Have I e'er felt the power of his word?
Is this poor life Fit prelude for a high eternity? Alas! have I not yet begun the strife, Or must I fail before the victory?
O heart of doubt! When wilt thou, O thou foolish heart, be wise? Thou lookest everywhere, within, without, Forgetting only to lift up thine eyes.
No more despair,
No more despair, There is no help for thee in things below; Search not within for hope—it is not there But unto Christ do thou for comfort go.
Christ is thy Rock;
Christ is thy Rock; Doubt not this firm foundation, true and tried; Fear not the gathering tempest's angry shock; It harms not those that on this Rock abide.
Christ is thy friend;
He knows thy weakness, he will give thee strength; Trust! in his name is victory; he will end The conflict for thee; thou shalt win at length.
Poems of Dawn.
Christ is thy peace; From penalty and stain he sets thee free; And in the white robe of his righteousness, Before the approving God presenteth thee.
Christ is thy ALL;
Forget thyself, and in him sweetly rest; And thou shalt enter, whatsoe'er befall, The everlasting mansions of the blest.
CHRIST WITHIN.
ALIVING CHRIST, of wondrous birth Who trod the dreary paths of earth Shedding abroad his holy light Through the deep gloom of sin's dark night.
A dying Christ, whose precious blood Seals the poor sinner's peace with God; And fills the soul with fullest love, Like to the joy prepared above.
A Christ ascended—all done, A world redeemed, a victory won. With angel hosts, a glorious throng, We'll sing with joy salvation's song.
A living Christ our spirits need,
A loving Christ our souls to feed;
A dying Christ, our ransom he,
A risen Christ to set us free.
Poems of Dawn.
This too our need—a Christ within,
A life with God, afar from sin,
A Christ whose love our hearts shall fill,
And quite subdue our wayward will.
CHRIST, OUR TEACHER.
LET him teach thee, weary soul; Isa. 1:4.
Let his hands now make thee whole; Job 5:18.
Let his peace thy heart control,— Col. 3:15.
Let him teach thee.
Into paths of righteousness Psa. 23:3.
Let him lead and let him bless; Psa. 67:7.
Let him save thee from distress,— Psa. 107:18.
Let him teach thee.
Let him guide thee with his eye; Psa. 32:8.
Let his hand thy need supply; Phil. 4:19.
Let his goodness satisfy,— Psa. 65:4.
Let him teach thee.
Let his good word sanctify; Jno. 17:17.
Let the furnace purify; 1 Peter 1:7.
Let him say "Fear not; 'tis I,"— Mark 6:50.
Let him teach thee.
Let him probe thy heart within; Psa. 66:10.
Let him search out every sin; Psa. 139:23.
Let the glorious light shine in,— 2 Cor. 4:6.
Let him teach thee.
Let the Shepherd kindly feed;
Let him firmly, truly lead;
(He'll not break the bruised reed,)
Let him teach thee. Isa. 40:11.
Isa. 42:3.
Let him give thee songs at night; Job 35:10.
Let him make the darkness light; Isa. 42:16.
Let him set thy spirit right,— Psa. 51:10.
Let him teach thee.
In the tumult let him hide, Psa. 37:5;31:30.
Let him keep thee at his side; Ex. 33:21.
Let his name be glorified,— Isa. 61:3.
Let him teach thee.
A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS.
A LITTLE talk with Jesus,— How it smooths the rugged road! How it seems to help me onward, When I faint beneath my load! When my heart is crushed with sorrow, And my eyes with tears are dim, There is naught can yield me comfort Like a little talk with him.
I tell him I am weary, And I fain would be at rest; But I still will wait his bidding, For his way is always best. Then his promise ever cheers me 'Mid all the cares of life:— "I am come, and soon in glory Will end thy toil and strife."
Ah! that is what I 'm wanting, His lovely face to see— And I 'm not afraid to say it, I know he's wanting me.
He gave his life a ransom To make me all his own, And he'll ne'er forget his promise To me, his purchased one.
The way is sometimes weary To yonder nearing clime, But a little talk with Jesus Has helped me many a time. The more I come to know him, And all his grace explore, It sets me ever longing To know him more and more.
A SOLITARY WAY.
— Psa. 107:1-9; Prov. 14:10; I Cor. 2:11. —
THERE is a mystery in human hearts, And though we be encircled by a host Of those who love us well, and are beloved, To every one of us, from time to time, There comes a sense of utter loneliness. Our dearest friend is "stranger" to our joy, And cannot realize our bitterness. "There is not one who really understands. Not one to enter into all I feel;" Such is the cry of each of us in turn. We wander in a "solitary way," No matter what or where our lot may be, Each heart, mysterious even to itself, Must live its inner life of solitude.
Poems of Dawn.
—Job. 7:17; Matt. 10:37.—
And would you know the reason why this is?
It is because the Lord desires our love.
In every heart he wishes to be first.
He therefore keeps the secret-key himself,
To open all its chambers, and to bless
With perfect sympathy and holy peace
Each solitary soul which comes to him.
So when we feel this loneliness, it is
The voice of Jesus saying, "Come to me;"
And every time we are "not understood,"
It is a call to us to come again;
For Christ alone can satisfy the soul,
And those who walk with him from day to day Can never have "a solitary way."
— Isa. 48:16; Psa. 34:22.—
And when beneath some heavy cross you faint,
And say, "I cannot bear this load alone,"
You say the truth. Christ made it purposely
So heavy that you must return to him.
The bitter grief, which "no one understands,"
Conveys a secret message from the King,
Entreating you to come to him again.
The Man of Sorrows understands it well.
In all points tempted, he can feel with you.
You cannot come too often, or too near.
The Son of God is infinite in grace;
His presence satisfies the longing soul;
And those who walk with him from day to day Can never have "a solitary way."
DOUBT HIM NOT.
FIGHTING, waiting, struggling, trusting Is he sure to bless? Prophets, fathers, martyrs, Christians Answer, Yes.
Fearest sometimes that thy Father Hath forgot? Though the clouds around thee gather, Doubt him not!
Always hath the daylight broken, Always hath he comfort spoken! Better hath he been for years, Than thy fears.
THE SECRET OF HIS PRESENCE.
IN THE secret of his presence How my soul delights to hide: Oh, how precious are the lessons
Which I learn at Jesus' side. Earthly cares can only vex me, Trials never lay me low, And when Satan comes to tempt me, To the secret place I go.
When my soul is faint and thirsty, 'Neath the shadow of his wing There is cool and pleasant shelter, And a fresh and crystal spring.
Poems of Dawn.
And my Saviour rests beside me, As we hold communion sweet; If I tried, I could not utter What he says, when thus we meet.
Only this: I know, I tell him All my doubts, and griefs, and fears. Oh! how patiently he listens, And my drooping heart he cheers. Do you think he ne'er reproves me? What a false friend he would be, If he never, never told me Of the faults which he must see.
Do you think that I could love him Half so well, or as I ought, If he did not plainly tell me Each displeasing word and thought? No! for he is very faithful, And that makes me trust him more, For I know that he does love me, Though sometimes he wounds me sore.
Would you like to know the sweetness Of this secret of the Lord? Go and hide beneath his shadow, This shall then be your reward. And whene'er you leave the silence Of that happy meeting-place, You must mind and bear the image Of the Master in your face.
Poems of Dawn.
HE RESTORETH MY SOUL.
I AM often so weary of sorrow, So weary of struggling with sin, So timid concerning the morrow, So faithless of entering in To the beautiful rest that remaineth Secure in the city of God, Where shall enter no evil that staineth, Nor ever the spoiler hath trod.
But aye, when the struggle is sorest,
And dark the clouds grow o'er my soul,
Dear Lord, the sweet cup that thou pourest
Hath balm, and I drink and am whole.
From the quenchless old well of salvation
I quaff the pure waters divine,
And a sense of triumphant elation
Is thrilled through this spirit of mine.
No hand but thine own, blessed Master, Could comfort and cheer in the day When the touch of a sudden disaster Hath cumbered and tangled the way. No look but thine own could illumine When night gathers black o'er the land, And strength that is failing and human Lieth prone on the desolate strand.
But ever thy help is the nearest When help from the earth there is none, And ever the word that is dearest Is the word of the Crucified Son; And aye, when the tempest-clouds gather, I fly for sweet shelter and peace Through the Son to the heart of the Father, Then terror and tremor do cease.
He restoreth my soul, and I praise him Whose love is my chrism and crown; He restoreth my soul; let me raise him A song that his favor will own; For often so weary of sorrow, So weary of fighting with sin, I look and I long for the morrow When the ransom'd their freedom shall win.
TEMPTED AND TRIED.
TEMPTED and tried, oh! the terrible tide May be raging and deep, may be wrathful and wide;
Yet its fury is vain, for the Lord will sustain, And forever and ever Jehovah shall reign. Tempted and tried, yet the Lord at thy side Will guide thee, and keep thee, tho' tempted and tried.
Tempted and tried, there is One at thy side And never in vain shall God's children confide. He will save and defend, for he loves to the end, Adorable Master, and glorious Friend.
In his secret pavilion his children shall hide.
Tempted and tried, whatever betide,
'Neath the shadowing wing of eternity's King,
His children may trust, yea his children may sing.
Tempted and tried, yet the Lord will abide, Poems of Dawn.
Thy faithful redeemer, and keeper, and guide,
Thy shield and thy sword, thine exceeding reward;
Then enough for the servant that he be as his Lord.
Tempted and tried, the Saviour who died
Hath called thee to suffer—then reign by his side.
If his cross thou wilt bear, his crown thou shalt
wear,
And forever and ever his glory shall share.
MY PRAYER.
BEING perplexed, I say,
Lord, make it right!
Night is as day to thee,
Darkness is light.
I am afraid to touch
Things that involve so much.
My trembling hand may shake,
My unskilled hand may break;
Thine can make no mistake.
Being in doubt, I say,
Lord, make it plain!
Which is the true, safe way,
Which would be vain?
I am not wise to know,
Nor sure of foot to go;
My poor eyes cannot see
What is so clear to thee—
Lord, make it clear to me.
TO JESUS ALWAYS.
ALWAYS go to Jesus, When troubled or distressed; I always find a refuge When I with him can rest. I tell him all my trials, I tell him all my grief; And while my lips are speaking He gives my heart relief.
When full of dread forebodings, And flowing o'er with tears, He calms away my sorrows, And hushes all my fears. He comprehends my weakness, The peril I am in, And he supplies the armor I need to vanquish sin.
When those are cold and faithless Who once were fond and true, With careless hearts forsaking The old friends for the new, I turn to him whose friendship Knows neither change nor end: I always find in Jesus An ever faithful Friend.
I always go to Jesus; No matter when or where I seek his gracious presence, I'm sure to find him there.
Poems of Dawn.
In times of joy or sorrow, Whate'er my need may be, I always go to Jesus, And Jesus comforts me.
WAIT ON THE LORD.
WAIT, O thou weary one, a little longer. A few more years—it may be only days; Thy patient waiting makes thee all the stronger; Eternity will balance all delays.
Wait, O thou suffering one, thy days of sorrow Bring to thy weary soul its richest gain; If thou a Christian art, a brighter morrow Will give thee ten-fold joy for all thy pain.
Wait, O thou anxious one; the cloud that hovers In gathering gloom above thy aching head Is sent of God in mercy, and he covers Thee with his heavenly mantle overspread.
Be patient and submissive; each disaster Will bring thee nearer to thy loving Lord. These trials make thee like thy blessed Master, Who knows them all, and will his grace afford.
Be patient and submissive; strength is given For every step along the weary way. And for it all thou'lt render praise to heaven, When dreary night gives place to perfect day.
Yes, perfect day, the day of God eternal. When not a shadow shall flit o'er the scene In that fair land where all is bright and vernal, And we will be with Christ, and naught between.
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