POEMS.

In the deep recess of the inmost heart, Where Satan tempts and angels come to shield, Are foes by which we would be overcome, Were Christ not with us on the battle-field.

The tempter, seeking whom he may devour, Would sift as wheat, and finally prevail; But Jesus intercedes and prays for us, That faith in these dread conflicts may not fail.

These calls unheeded, who the end can know? The Spirit grieved and angels forced to leave, The victims, though unconscious, hastening where No pardoning love is found, and no reprieve.

If yet there’s hope, one mighty effort make To conquer, and the enemy defeat; Watch unto prayer, in Jesus Christ abide, And hasten to be made in him complete.

No true enjoyment here aside from this. No other name on earth e’er to be given, Through him we must be cleansed and purified, Or closed to us will be the gates of Heaven.

Jesus sees, he feels, he pities; he for us keen anguish knew, He was numbered with transgressors; harmless, but his friends were few. Those immersed in love’s deep ocean, nothing will or can offend; They will bow in sweet submission, knowing Heaven will them defend.

Let us then our suffering brother seek where’er his lot is cast; Priests and Levites having seen him, on the other side have passed; But of God he’s not forsaken; He has known each bitter pang; He has seen his tears and sorrows, and has known from whence they sprang.

Jesus sees when best to succor, every wrong will bring to light; He will have obedient children who in doing good delight, Who will move in love and pity, bleeding wounds to soothe and bind, Good Samaritans, who ever seek some path of love to find.

Courage new is then imparted, chilling words no more oppress; Oh! for more true kindred spirits, who would make our sufferings less. Lord forgive thine erring people; form them for thyself alone; Then they’ll bear each other’s burdens, calling nought they have their own.

Then each suffering child of sorrow would be watched with tender care, Love and pity for the erring would be felt and witnessed there. Strife and jealousy would vanish; love be felt that works no ill; Peace, sweet peace, and joy and gladness, would each home and bosom fill.

Love not the world, trust not its joys; uncertain is their stay; Its treasures I’ve so highly prized, on wings have flown away. Its riches I would not recall, their loss would not deplore; Content I’ll be if but my Lord salvation’s joys restore.

Nature inclines us all to seek, a rich and grand career; Undue attachment will but make our losses more severe. Hardly we know how much we love our friends and things below, Till called to see them one by one from our possession go.

How often then the stricken heart deplores no comfort left, Forgetting we have blessings still, of which we’re not bereft. Let houses, lands and splendor go, surroundings all upset, If home is where we’ve friends to love, and friends to love us yet.

With such a home, no matter where, how unadorned the place, If but my Lord’s, he’ll visit there, and with his presence grace. Thus consecrated to the Lord, his glory will be there. How blest the place where oft is heard the voice of praise and prayer.

Be I but meet for such a place, where angels camp around, Where truth and duty are proclaimed, and works of love abound. The poor and friendless there resort and find their wants supplied, No lack whose trust is in the Lord; for such he will provide.

There all of every name and race, in need of friendly aid, Find equal welcome to the board where no distinction’s made. Thus treasures are laid up above, where endless life is given; They who are rich in works of love, may hope for rest in Heaven.

Our every sin must be confessed, All guile be taken from the breast; A holy life must we maintain, If with the Saviour we would reign.

Be trimmed our lamps, our light appear, Proclaim we Jesus draweth near; That mercy’s closing hour is nigh, Will be the angel’s last loud cry.

Now are we drawing near the port, Decisions soon all made in court, The scene will close, the Lord will come,— And who with him will have a home?

To self we must be crucified, Be purified, made white and tried, Without one spot, and guileless be, To stand before his Majesty.

Oh! be our sleeping powers awake; Eternal bliss is now at stake; One wrong unrighted, spot or stain, Will bind in sin’s destructive chain.

Haste then, from every error flee; Strive till you gain the victory. Triumph in Jesus’ name alone, And sit with him upon his throne.

This right with his own blood he bought; Oh! bliss beyond all human thought, Where ransomed throngs the Lord adore, And sing free grace forevermore.

The Saviour knows our every grief; He knows the time to give relief: When we are purified and tried, And our whole wills are sanctified.

How to destroy our dross and tin, And cleanse us from each stain of sin, What to inflict, the Lord knows best; ’Tis only ours to stand the test.

What though we suffer grief and pain, And earth’s fair prospects strew the plain, Let us submit, whate’er befall, And make our God our all in all.

What though we’re wrongfully accused, Oft times e’en slanderously abused? Say not these ills we cannot bear, But in our Saviour’s suffering share.

What he endured no tongue can tell, When on Him our transgressions fell; Meekly he bore them on the tree, And paid the debt for you and me.

He purchased holiness and Heaven, Or we could ne’er have been forgiven. The Saviour’s blood redemption cost, Without which all our race was lost.

Shall we then sink beneath the rod, Inflicted by a holy God To purify and make us white, That he may be our sole delight?

No; though it sharply smites, resign, And pray for grace and love divine; For all this, Heaven will make amends, And ofttimes quick deliverance sends.

The Lord in him would have us free; Through Him we gain the victory, All he will be to us we need, That we a holy life may lead.

Be holy. Oh! how blest to know, Our Father helps to make us so; ’Tis but for us to yield our will, His word and promise he’ll fulfill.

No guilt or fear, no will, no choice; In God alone we now rejoice, And bless the hand that gave the blow, And laid our earthly comforts low.

I loved th’ enchanting viol’s sound, I loved the sprightly dance, And all the dear, delightful scenes Of nature’s wild romance.

I know the fascinating charms, In all their depth and hight, Presumed on days and months and years Of exquisite delight.

Though seventy-six, I feel I still These halls of mirth could grace; I left them when in youth^[1] and sought In Christ a hiding place.

But oh! the bitter cup I drank That tamed my wild career; Death struck my parents from my side And drowned my joy in tears.

My dear loved home of childhood’s years, Where all was life and glee, Became a house of mourning, and Ere long no home for me.

I’ve since formed nearer, dearer ties, And they too, have been riven. By these repeated strokes I’ve learned There’s nothing true but Heaven.

My treasure’s there, my heart is there, The prize I mean to win; But know the victory must be gained O’er every darling sin.

And may refiner’s fire go through Till I am purified; Till patience is perfected here, And all my graces tried.

I’d bear the fiery trial now, Till holy made and pure, That I Christ’s image may reflect, And be in him secure.

A home in Heaven will then be mine, A house not made with hands; Where Jesus will his saints receive, Who walk in his commands.

Be it mine to walk the narrow way, Which my Redeemer trod, And in the City have a place Close by the throne of God.

There friends will meet to part no more, Whose sins are here forgiven. I would not rest until I know, I have a home in Heaven.

No resting place! oh! sad, oppressive thought! The overburdened heart opprest with grief, Must bear its weight o’er sad reflection’s tide, Fearing at last the fate of unbelief.

Is there one here, without one beam of hope? Oppressed, desponding, bordering on despair? Still sinking ’neath gloom’s dark and heavy cloud, Not thinking e’er one cheering boon to share?

Lie still, e’en here, and search the hidden cause; O’er every sin has victory been won? Then trust in God o’er this dark, dreary way, And say, Dear Lord, thy will, not mine, be done.

The broken heart, the humble, contrite one, God will relieve from sin’s dark, heavy load; He will reveal himself a present help, And make for us a sure and safe abode.

For such as these a resting place remains, When earth’s dark scenes and trials all are o’er; A home in Heaven where saints and angels are Chanting glad songs of glory evermore.

The word we preach is nigh thee, Is in thy mouth and heart, To cease from every evil, From every idol part.

The last decree, how solemn, Except we conquer now, No remedy can reach us, Nor pay our broken vow.

While faithless, unrepentant, We cannot be forgiven, No mercy will be offered, No home for us in Heaven.

As well give up to perish, If we cannot deny Our appetites and passions, While Heavenly aid is nigh.

Soon there will be no promise Of pardoning grace, now free. Ere Jesus ceases pleading, We must get victory.

Soon with no mediator To help our ruined case, The filthy must be filthy, Beyond the reach of grace.

We fail not, when watching, our duty to know, While Jesus makes out all our pathway below. When he bids be buried with him ’neath the wave, Let nought keep us back from the watery grave.

Go forward; these waters are ever the place, Where Jesus is found with his presence to grace; While angels make each of its subjects their care, And the Spirit of God sheds its blessedness there.

Oh, blest institution! the Lord owns it still, And moves on his people his word to fulfill; In newness of life will he help to arise, While they humbly press on toward the mark for the prize.

How heavenly the sight of an ordinance like this; The pledge, it would seem, of perpetual bliss: God honored below, while his people rejoice, Making known to the world, they obey him from choice.

We’ll follow the footsteps of Jesus, our King, Till we the glad songs of deliverance sing. We’ll exalt him while here, we will love and adore, And with the redeemed sound his praise evermore.

Of our strength we are shorn by indulgence in sin; Where Jesus has reigned, now there’s no room within; A host of his murderers dwell in the heart; Rejected, though grieved, he’s obliged to depart.

As he goes who can know he will ever return? That the blessing is lost we may soon have to learn, With a wail of despair, a lamentable cry, We may soon see ourselves forever passed by.

Too late! oh, too late! now my soul must be lost; Though redemption was offered at infinite cost; Though help has been laid on one mighty to save; To self and the world I the preference gave.

Could the hope of salvation be given once more, Would we not turn our backs on our Lord, as before? Would not the same spirit still bear the same fruit? And the Lord still to us our transgressions impute?

Oh! poor fallen man, rushing on to despair, With high hopes all anchored in earth’s fatal snare, To be swept away soon, with the refuge of lies, While the soul in deep anguish the second death dies.

Could the deluded votaries Of fashion and of song, But see their danger, they would cry, We’ve ventured here too long.

Yes, ventured o’er a precipice, Held by a brittle thread, While “fiery billows roll beneath” The slippery paths we tread.

We’ve ventured to reject the call, In love and pity given, To flee sin’s awful destiny, And seek a home in Heaven.

Could tears prevail, could pity move, You would not longer stand, Exposed by every dashing wave In yon broad gulf to land.

But tears and pity cannot save, Nor for one sin atone, Redemption’s purchased with the blood Of Jesus Christ alone.

The debt is paid; salvation’s free, Though Jesus’ life it cost, And all who come to him he’ll save; Then why should you be lost?

Oh! be entreated to forsake The road that leads to hell, And thus be fitted for the place Where saints and angels dwell.

Infirmities of age have not As yet made me their prey; In social life I sometimes feel As one still young and gay.

My spirits buoyant, hopeful, free, No cloud to intervene, Till I’m a wonder to myself, And ask what this can mean.

Is there a dark and heavy cloud, Now gathering out of sight, To come o’er this my cheerful path, And turn it into night?

Well, be it so; I’ll now enjoy Life’s blessings while I may, And meet its changes as they come, The footsteps of decay.

At seventy-six we might expect Our life-lights to grow dim, The slow-paced step and wasted form, Though once erect and trim.

’Tis nature’s course; time’s withering blight Will come on all below. Be ready then for any change Time bids us undergo.

Then when this earth is made anew All clothed in living green, Where blight, decay, and care-worn brows Are never to be seen,

We all shall bloom immortal, fair, In Eden beauty dressed, To share all Heaven’s eternal joys, And be forever blessed.

Down deep in the heart is a fountain of tears, Though seldom it flows to the eye; ’Tis not that I have not true interest and love, That I say not the sad words, Good bye.

The gate must be opened, and opened for me, For me to go out of the place, Where I have enjoyed the best bounties of earth, Where in love face has answered to face.

As I passed through the gate, language fails to express My deep-felt emotions of heart; ’Twas leaving a home where was freedom and rest; And who else can such favors impart?

Not that I was homeless; another dear place Was all ready and waiting me, where Again I should mingle with children and friends; But oh! there’s life’s burden and care.

’Tis not that I’d shun them, and useless remain, That I felt thus while passing the gate; But feelings which beckon to higher results, Thoughts I may not attempt to relate.

When fortune’s wheel turns, will the gate opened be, Be opened for me to come through? Shall I find the same friends and the dear quiet room, And my former engagements pursue?

To Him who controls all the myriad worlds, With Him would I leave each event; I would move in his order, and walk in his light, And know that my time is well spent.

Then whether I ever that gate pass, or not, Those loved ones again ever see, The gates of the City will open for all Who its glories and beauties would see.

We wait on God, our strength renewed, Our love of self and pride subdued, We then can cruel slander bear, Nor ask why we these sufferings share.

We may exalted be by men, Be censured and condemned; what then? Our worth is in the Lord alone, To whom our thoughts and acts are known.

That I am God, know and be still, Though wrongfully you’re suffering ill. How many sins committed where No eye has seen, yet still I spare.

Be humble, meek, and low of heart, Nor from my holy law depart. Thus will your strength be oft renewed, And you with holy zeal imbued.

In that dread day you then can stand, Where rocks are rent, and solid land And mountains shake, and cities fall; I’ll be your strength, your God, your all.

From earth’s dread ruins you’ll be caught, To God’s celestial city brought, Robed in a pure and spotless dress, The robe of Christ’s own righteousness.

Then every stain will be erased From reputations now defaced; And where was anguish, grief and tears, Now smiles and bliss and joy appears.

To be forever with the Lord, To share the infinite reward, To sit with him upon his throne, To see and know as we are known.

In everlasting songs divine, In sweetest union all will join. Who can describe the bliss there’ll be, When blessed with immortality?

Sickness prostrates; helpless sufferer, Who can stem the sorrowing tide? Oh! how vain, when death approacheth, Earthly pleasures, wealth and pride.

Though your name may be illustrious, Handed down through ages yet, Worldly honor and distinction, We shall all ere long forget.

Weeping friends may stand around you, Flattering prospects urge your stay; But compelled by the destroyer, To be launched from earth away.

Past reflections, oh! how painful, If not answered life’s great end; Time all spent in vain delusion, Now no hope, no God, no friend.

Who can paint the bitter anguish, Felt at such a time as this; Soon to leave those cherished idols, Purchased with unending bliss.

Though we gain the world, what profit, If we lose our souls at last? Buy the gold, the shining raiment, Ere the day of grace is past.

There was one who to me was most lovely and dear; I looked, and that loved one I saw disappear; My dear, only daughter, who in life’s early years, Has gone to the grave, and has left me in tears.

The words of her parting, were, Jesus is mine; He’ll save, and I shall in his own likeness shine. To God be all glory; Heaven’s opened to me; I shall rise with the saints, and immortal shall be.

My brothers, be wise and obey Heaven’s laws; Seek the Saviour to please and to honor his cause; Rest not till you know all your sins are forgiven, Oh! fail not, my brothers, to meet me in Heaven.

My mother, be ready to meet me that day, Nor mourn that here with you no longer I stay. Prepare for the trouble that soon is to come— Who then will enjoy his own loved quiet home?

I die in the Lord, from my labors to rest With the dead, of whom it is said, “They are blest.” For me bid farewell to the loved and the true, May we meet where is heard no mournful adieu.

My mother, I’m dying, but Jesus is here; With him I have nothing of evil to fear. Thus peaceful she died, but still lingered the trace Of the image divine on her cold pallid face.

In the lone, quiet tomb where she’s longed to repose, She rests from life’s cares, from its “burden of woes,” Beside her loved father, to memory dear— O’er the graves of these loved, I withhold not the tear.

What stings of conscience men will bear, Their tastes to gratify; Resolve and re-resolve, and still Themselves cannot deny.

They say, “I’d give a thousand worlds Could I the victory gain.” Your cause is just, to conquer here, And all your rights maintain.

“What use,” you ask, “to say I will, And almost know I shan’t; I’ve tried, and tried, and tried again, To quit, but oh! I can’t.”

Well, be it so; your course pursue, But what will be the end? Your conscience soon will be so seared, You’ll want no other friend.

Chief of the comforts you enjoy, What comfort now you take. When you’re deprived of these, how sad, Gloomy and desolate.

Why thus? Your nerves are all unstrung; You’re almost ruined now. Does patience have her perfect work, While thus you break each vow?

When worn with toil, how soon you seek Your coffee, rum, or tea; When trouble comes, these are your gods, To which for help you flee.

Another, all his senses gone, When giving up his quid, In irritation mourns his lot, From him all good seems hid.

The poisonous weed, the deadly drink Are eagerly pursued; So are they loved, men hardly wish Their appetites subdued.

The exhilarating influence When loved, who will forego? The sad effects of these produce The sum of human woe.

Not we alone the sufferers are; Our friends must bear a part; The animation felt by us With them is a broken heart.

An oft untimely grave the lot, Of those thus overcome; What desolation then is felt, In their once peaceful home?

Ere vigor, health, and life are gone, Rouse every latent power; The victory gained, again you’re blest, Within your own loved bower.

Heed not the tempter when he comes, And pleads once more to yield; Have you not fully yet resolved, To shun this battle-field?

Why risk the victory you have gained? Your resolution lost This once might prove your ruin here, And life eternal cost.

Try once again, while there is hope To conquer and to live; God will, if you will let him, help, And all the past forgive.

He’ll help to get the victory; And victory must be gained, Or no resolve to break the hold, Will ever be maintained.

Not victory for a single day, A week, a month, a year; But victory that will stand the test While we continue here.

A victory that will overcome Inordinate desire, To gratify perverted taste, By habit made entire.

The conflict rages fiercely on; Here victory, then defeat; But faint not, you can overcome, And make your foes retreat.

An armor for us is prepared, A helmet, sword and shield, And He who mighty is to save, Is with us on the field.

Experience can alone impart The joy of sins forgiven, Freedom in God while here below, And soon a home in Heaven.

Are we assured our home’s in Heaven? That all our sins are now forgiven? Do we with all the heart believe, And God’s approving smile receive?

Is every weight now laid aside? The last besetting sin denied? God then to us this knowledge gives: “I know that my Redeemer lives.”

This consciousness must purify, And bring eternal glories nigh. Though here we bear affliction’s rod, No tears “in Heaven, at home with God.”

No suffering there; “all trials cease, In Heaven at home with God,” is peace. Yea, more than this, all there unite, In sweetest anthems of delight.

There will they hallelujahs sing, In honor of their Heavenly King; Forever there, their voices raise, In songs seraphic to his praise.

This glory Jesus’ word reveals; Each promise with his blood he seals. We’re sure, if here to him we come, To be in Heaven with God at home.

And is there another dear loved one for me? May a strong cord of union now bind me to thee? Would you call me your mother? Permit in return, That I call thee my child, and your history learn.

Pleased with your demeanor, and turn of your mind, With attractions I seem to see in thee combined; But few would take interest in one of my age, Though he might be an artist, a bard or a sage.

Though past man’s alloted threescore and ten years, Though I’ve passed through afflictions, in sorrow and tears, In feeling still young, and in sympathy true, I would have the world better for my passing through.

I’m glad I have seen you; I’ve one more to love, On whom to ask blessings that come from above. This friendship new-formed—may it ever increase, And we find in Jesus true heavenly peace.

For one who can fill such a place in the choir, Whose musical talents none can but admire, Who is loved and looked up to as teacher and guide, To leave for the war, will be felt far and wide.

But it is not, dear nephew, for earth’s vain delight, That you leave home and friends for your country to fight; It is for the Union—our rights to maintain— That you go where the strife piles its thousands of slain.

Good bye! God protect you; on his arm rely, There is safety for no one except from on high. We are safe only while we in Jesus abide; He’s our rule, he’s our pattern, our only sure guide.

Be careful to follow where he leads the way; Let nothing entice from his footsteps to stray. May he keep you from falling and lead you safe through To the home and the friends you are bidding adieu.

Good morning, you said, as you left for your bride, For the one in whom you so truly confide. Good morning, my son, Heaven’s blessings attend, As you take a companion, a dear, chosen friend.

I’m happy in thinking you’ll bring home a wife To take the direction in things of this life, May her interest and aim be all one with us here, And she be to mother a daughter most dear.

The sister, the daughter, and wife, all combine; The home of her childhood she too must resign. Though former companions may not be forgot, New duties, new trials will fall to her lot.

Be true and affectionate, always the same; One in heart as you now are to be one in name, Wherever she is, be it your joy to come; While each can say truly, “There’s no place like home.”

You’ve doubtless informed her you intended your mother Would have a home with you, and also your brother, That she unexpectedly might not find these, To add to her household, to care for and please.

You’ve been an affectionate, dutiful son; Everything in your power, for my comfort you’ve done; You’ve said this attention you owed me through life— Oh! I’d be a rich blessing to your and your wife.

Should I be a burden still greater to bear, The daughter and wife in the trial must share. Think then of my age, over seventy years, And bear with me though I cause sorrow and tears.

Though fretful, impatient, not suited at all, And you think it best not to mind every call, Remember past seasons, my kindness, and know I would have you as blest as one could be below.

And in the new earth when all trials are o’er, I would be with you there to have life evermore. An unbroken band may we all there appear, The father, the mother, the children so dear.

We should there know each other, and all we’ve been through, While Annie would greet her dear brothers anew And Harriet and Frances^[2] would help swell the song, Of Heaven’s free grace, with the numerous throng.

My dearest Samuel, through life’s scenes I’d thought to live with thee, But providentially a change, Has taken you from me; Dear child you need not fear for me.

Those kind words, “Mother, live with me,” As then are now the same; Unshaken is my confidence, That you are just the same, To-day, the very, very same.

Oh! how my heart goes after thee, My dear, loved, cherished son, Your father’s name and image bear, As does no other one; I see the once-loved in my son.

I see thee oft in fancy’s view, And love to see thee so; I’m happy that to your new home, I’m wholly free to go; My son to your home I can go.

It is my choice; I would be here, I love to be alone, I love this quiet solitude, I love the wild wind’s moan; My child, I would be here alone.

Yet not alone, another son Is with me all the while. Though frail in health, he cares for me, And greets me with a smile; He does my lonely hours beguile.

Another too, though far away, Away now at the West— With three kind sons to care for me, Most signally I’m blest; Be Heaven our place of final rest.

The husband and the daughter sleep; Thus friends are parted here, But they in joy will live again, When Jesus shall appear, To dry each Christian mourner’s tear.

February, 1865.

Let Annie sleep; her rest is with the dead; All sorrow past, her last sad tear is shed; Why call to mind the sufferings here she bore, When now with her they are forever o’er?

Why ope the wound—that wound so deeply given, When from the parent tree this branch was riven? Oh! spare thy tears, wake not the fount of grief; No human power can aid or give relief.

She died in hope of living evermore With those she loved, when Time’s last scene is o’er. When Jesus comes, we trust there’ll be a place Prepared for her with all the ransomed race.

Shall we then see her in immortal bloom, Risen triumphant from the silent tomb? Shall we there meet her all in bright array, And spend in Heaven with her an endless day?

Shall we behold the glorious city fair, And by the King of kings be welcomed there? To eat with her the fruit of earth made new, And give to Jesus praise and glory due?

Oh, ’tis enough! Let earthly sorrow cease, While Jesus says in him we shall have peace. That God in us may his designs fulfill, We’ll meekly suffer all his holy will.

My lot has been to roam Far from the cheering light of home, Mid scenes of commotion, turmoil and strife, Temptation and snares that beset this life. Oh! yonder I see a beacon light gleaming, O’er the dark wave its lustre is beaming, Dear mother! as the light to the mariner lost, So thou to the bark on the billow tossed.

My lot has been to meet The bitter mixed with transient sweet; To struggle on, in toil and care, The tide of adverse fate to bear. Oh! yonder I see a tender vine, twining Around a tree, its tendrils are shining; Dear mother! as the vine twines around the tree, So from life’s rude blasts I cling to thee.

My lot has been to feel Dark shadows o’er my spirit steal; From slanderous tongues, and envy’s wiles, Deceit that lurked ’neath wreathing smiles. Oh! yonder I see the floweret’s hue; Reviving ’neath the pearly dew. Dear mother! as the dew to the drooping flower, So thou to me in sorrow’s dark hour.

My lot has been to learn Of friendship false, that bright will burn When fortune spreads her wing of light, But fades away when cometh night. Oh! yonder I see a bright star sparkling, While all around lies cold and darkling. Dear mother! as the star thou art in weal or wo, The darker the night, the brighter the glow.

My lot has been to pore Learning’s classic pages o’er; Seeking for hidden pearls to wear, Fame’s golden wreath, the victors bear. Oh! yonder I see a lone bird flying, Seeking her nest with voice of sighing. Dear mother! as the wearied bird her downy nest, So seek I thee, for quiet rest.

My lot is now to tread A troubled path whence light hath fled; But ne’er do I thy words forget, Or smiles of love from thee I’ve met. I think of thee in morning’s beaming light, In burning noon and shadowy night. Dear mother! mid all my thoughtless wanderings wild, Still clings to thee thy devoted child.

Whate’er my future lot may be, On life’s tempestuous trackless sea, Oh, may I never, where’er I roam, Forget the cheering light of home, That blessed light to the wanderer given, To guide the way that leads to Heaven. Dear mother! to thee may I cling till life is o’er, And united above—we part nevermore.

What though thy lot has been to bear Much adverse fate, ’mid toil and care, Raised expectations crushed and dead, And hope’s triumphant visions fled?

Dost thou not feel a mightier power, A hand divine in this dark hour? Does not thy heart begin to feel The claims of Him who wounds to heal?

’Tis true, my child, misfortune’s blast But breaks the rock whence gems are cast; The polished steel and marble white, Was once as rough and dark as night.

As purest gold and clearest glass Must through the hottest furnace pass, So oft repeated strokes are given, To form and fit a soul for Heaven.

What though you’ve learned of envy’s wiles, The slanderous tongue, which oft beguiles? The sweetest fruit on bush and trees, Is culled and plucked by birds and bees.

Although you’ve traced the landscape fair, And sought for knowledge rich and rare, Gone to the depth of hidden ore, That richest mine you might explore,

Lines “To my Mother,” more I prize Than all the paintings ’neath the skies; And they will ever bring to me, Dear child, sweet memories of thee.

Although I prize the painter’s art, Yet more th’ effusions of the heart; Kind feelings, sympathy and love, All arts and wealth I prize above.

Since then these trials but refine, Bring out deep caverns’ hidden mine, Resign all to that power on high, Till sufferings cease and sorrows die.

For a mother to part, for the war, with a son, Whose kindness and love her affections have won, Cannot but excite deep emotions of grief, And in tears the torn bosom will seek for relief.

Commend, in submission, this loved son to Heaven, And thank Him who gave, that to you he was given; That he leaves here a circle of associates dear, Who his memory and name will delight to revere.

In the family circle his place will be missed, And some may regret that he felt to enlist, While others look forward, still hoping to see Him back in the choir, where his place used to be.

If God has a work for him still here to do, His eye will be on him to bring him safe through. He will suffer no harm to befall him while there; As a man spares his own son, so God will him spare.

But nought of the future to us is revealed; His destiny and ours is most wisely concealed; ’Tis for us to submit; be our lot what it may, And all the requirements of Heaven obey.

Now far advanced in life we’re here, To visit one long held most dear; Though we have all been young and gay, Time’s rolling years have worked decay.

Though lingering here on earth’s broad shore, Life’s journey must be nearly o’er; And may this friendly, gathering call, A blessing prove to one and all.

Convened here, then, be this our aim, To make each other glad we came; In union these rich blessings share, And say, ’Twas good that we were there.

Refreshed, we’d patiently pursue This last part of our journey through. On those who entertain these guests, Would ask that they be doubly blest.

We would not fail while here to see All we’re required to do and be. Would advocate and teach the right, Still hastening toward perfection’s hight.

Earth’s pleasures then will be increased By this delightful, social feast, And we prepared to meet in Heaven, Where joys eternal will be given.

Gone is my husband, no more shall I see That kind look of love as he smiled upon me. I cherished and loved him; and who can tell My anguish while on his departure I dwell? Long I have been with him, in sickness and health, Shared in his losses, and enjoyed with him wealth; He lives in my memory, lives in my heart, His virtues are printed there, ne’er to depart.

Fast were we joined by the tenderest ties, And lonely I mourn o’er the grave where he lies. I hear not his steps, but the lone place I see, Where oft his kind words have been spoken to me. I miss him while gather the shadows of night; I miss him when dawns the fair morning light. I miss him—but where are the words to express The depth of my grief in such loneliness.

I smile when I’m sad, and seem joyful in grief; When alone bitter tears are my only relief; Bruised now is the heart by the blow that has come, [037] Dark now the dear spot, once so bright as my home. Though wealth were my portion, and splendor surround, More empty ’twould seem while the loved was not found. With him I’d be blest, though earth’s treasures were few, And trouble should prove my affection more true.

Oft I imagine each member is here, Those pledges of love and affection so dear, I view the loved circle, but ah! there’s a space— ’Tis vacant, and nought can to me fill the place. But those left behind, his dear image reveal, Who only affection and sympathy feel; Their kindness I know, the returns of their love, And ask for them blessings that come from above.

But he’s gone to the grave, where, free from all care, He knows not the grief which for him I now bear. There rest till our Saviour shall bid thee arise; Then may we immortal ascend to the skies. With this hope I can triumph o’er earth’s deepest gloom, The dearest and loveliest can yield to the tomb; When bowed in submission, my Saviour appears, Bids me trust in his word, and refrain from my tears.

Lone Pilgrim, cease that mournful sigh— Look up! redemption draweth nigh. Have loved ones gone, does earth look drear? Look up! shed not that bitter tear.

What though the heart is saddened now, And shadows gather on thy brow, And grief the bosom heaving still— Look up! submit to Heaven’s own will.

Do trials, unexpected, rise? Look up! and view the glorious prize; Let not life’s sorrows press you down— Look up! prepare to take the crown.

Lift up your head, rejoice and sing— Look up! by faith behold your King. He soon is coming, heed his call— Look up! and make your God your all.

He’ll come, all troubles here to end, He’ll come, a never-failing friend, He’ll come to take his children home— Look up! and pray, Lord, quickly come.

How fiercely does the conflict rage within, While striving to subdue some cherished sin; What shall be done? The idol is most dear, And often is the victim vanquished here.

Though trivial it may seem, sin’s poisonous dart Will sting the conscience and will wound the heart, Destroy the peace and condemnation bring, And drive us from the shelter of His wing.

In view of this, who dare a sin commit? Our cherished idols we must all submit; As one small leak the largest ship will sink, So one dear sin, will lead to ruin’s brink.

While love for sin in any form remains, Though not committed, we are still in chains; Sins must be broken off by righteousness, And then will God deliver, own and bless.

No condemnation then—all peace within, Untrammeled freedom from the love of sin; Oh! blessed freedom! nought can then control The heavenward flight and rapture of the soul.

Will you come in with the pilgrims, though a remnant they may be, And know the blessed privilege of gospel liberty? Will you take the name of Christ, and be redeemed by sovereign grace, And find in him from every storm a sure, safe hiding-place?

Will you part with earth’s delusive joys, with all its vain delights, And “bear the consecrated cross,” to have the Christian’s rights? They have a right to call on God; and he’s vouchsafed his aid. The ancients said, We’ll trust in thee, nor ever be dismayed.

They said, ’Tis nothing, Lord, with thee, with many or with few, To put a mighty host to flight, and all our foes subdue. Will you go against the multitude, in his own strength and name? He fought their battles and he’s still unchangeably the same.

Their hope’s an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast too, And buoys their spirits up in all the conflicts they go through. Will you have this hope to cheer you, to an unfading crown— A crown that far outshines this world, with all its grand renown?

They’ve no abiding city here, but look for one to come, A glorious city all illumed, to be their final home. Oh! will you suffer sorrow here, and have a home in Heaven, A kingdom that will shortly be, to all the faithful given?

If there’s rest for the weary, a home for the meek, Hope for the trembling and strength for the weak, Take courage, worn pilgrim, nor sink in despair, While braving the storms that but hasten us there.

The waves and the billows will over us go, And waters most bitter will oft overflow. Our hearts with fierce conflicts and anguish be riven, But hope to the end; there’s salvation in Heaven.

Oh, who will endure the last searching test, With Abrah’m and Isaac and Jacob be blest In the kingdom of God? and who will be lost, To find when too late, what earth’s pleasures have cost?

Shall we cling, then, to what Christ would have us give up? Oh, no! grieve him not, and he with us will sup. He’ll shelter us here in the last coming strife, And give us to drink of the water of life.

How blest to be ready and waiting to hear The last trumpet sound, and see Jesus appear! Such then will rejoice that redemption has come, Be changed to his image, and received to their home.

As Satan has in wrath come down, To bring us ’neath our Maker’s frown, We must resist his course. He’ll bring beneath his dread control The doubting, disobedient soul, By his satanic force.

Where least expected his attack, To lead us to perdition back, And claim us as his own. Alarming are his wily arts, Most fearful, too, his fiery darts, When undiscovered thrown.

Armed and equipped we must be sure, His fierce temptations to endure, His fatal snares to meet. ’Tis easy going with the tide; In Jesus Christ we must abide, And be in him complete.

There’s no true consolation here, But to be holy in our sphere, From condemnation free. When all our foes within are slain, The tempter then comes but in vain, With Heaven he’ll ne’er agree.

The humble, merciful and just, In God who wholly put their trust, Shall find protection sure. Their fortress, shield and firm defense, Is naught less than Omnipotence, With strength given to endure.

Those who in God securely stand, When thousands fall at their right hand, No plague will them come nigh; They’re safe ’neath Heaven’s sheltering wings, ’Mid crash of worlds, all earthly things, Which will in ruin lie.

Thus guarded here, when all is o’er, They’ll be with those who die no more, Forever safe in Heaven, Where all is union, peace and love, Made welcome to the courts above, Where life eternal’s given.

But we are here on dangerous ground; Some will be weighed and wanting found, Will from the truth depart, Will false, delusive spirits heed, And pride and arrogance will feed, And harden still the heart.

When self, that mighty foe, prevails To conquer, every effort fails; Self will be gratified, [043] E’en at the expense of present peace, Till conscience’ warning voice will cease, And self feel justified.

And some, in view of being lost, Will self indulge, whate’er the cost, Nor think to be forgiven. Their dearest idol bears such sway, So loved, their practice does but say, If one must go, ’tis Heaven.

A course deliberate thus pursued, Instead of having self subdued, Eternal life they’ll lose. They’ll bear the burden of their guilt, For which the blood of Christ was spilt, And go the way they choose.

Justice will utter, Let them go, They’ve proved their final overthrow— Their day of grace is past. May those who’re not yet given o’er, Repent, ere closed is mercy’s door, And thus be saved at last.

Homeless was my blessed Saviour, Patient, too, mid all his grief; Why be downcast, sad, desponding, When he’ll freely give relief?

Oh, ’tis not that I am homeless, Nor that I am suffering pain; But my Saviour seems hid from me, And my hope does not sustain.

I would daily have the witness, That my dear Redeemer lives; That he’s interceding for me, And my every blessing gives.

Live then for this blest approval, Not one sin allow a place; God commands us to be holy, While we run the Christian race.

He is holy who hath called you; So be ye, in word and deed; To enjoy the Saviour’s presence, We must to our ways take heed.

None can have this full salvation, While to one known sin a slave; Jesus came to free and pardon, And from sin his people save.

Fearless then go forth to battle, Conquering sin through Christ the Lord; He’ll assist while we’re obedient To the teachings of his word.

Glorious conquests have been witnessed; God for ever is the same; We may all be strong and mighty, Through his great and holy name.

Stay not halting, be decided! With God’s people take your place, They who seek a home in Heaven All must run the Christian race.

Though the Red Sea is before you, And the Egyptians in the rear, Venture forward, no retreating, Linger not a moment here.

If you go, you can but perish; Onward move where God can save. Hasten ere you’re with the wicked, Sinking ’neath the swelling wave.

God here meets his trusting people, Makes a passage through the deep, He’ll display his power in saving Those who his commandments keep.

Why this dark depth of grief and gloom, this anguish and despair? The unpardonable sin you mourn, is not yet yours to bear. Why thus disquieted, cast down? Hope thou in God; he’ll give The very blessing you most need; look up to him and live.

This crushing weight of heartfelt grief, this flow of sorrow’s tide, Will ere long bring the sad report, Of broken heart he died. God knows what has befallen you, knows why the sore event; Wait until he shall show you why this bitter cup was sent.

Be at your post, where’er it be; the claims of life fulfill. Be no one act or motive wrong; heed Heaven’s own bidding still. Then let the hail sweep o’er your path, let storms in fury rise, God will in safety bring you through to mansions in the skies.

He’s at the helm, he’ll guide the ship through every dangerous strait, And make you welcome when within the holy city’s gate. No bitter scenes of heartfelt grief, though now with anguish riven, Will meet you in that world of bliss, the holy calm of Heaven.

My cause is with my blessed Lord, he does my footsteps guide; He’s led me in an unknown way, and laid my plans aside; He’s hedged up all my well-laid schemes, or what seemed so to me, And oh! what wisdom I behold, now his designs I see.

I’ll glory in his holy name, and pray, Lord guide me still; In each event submission learn, and sink into his will. His will is welcome, tho’ it lay each earthly prospect low; God is too wise to err, and will what’s best for us bestow.

The Psalmist made his boast in God, and we may do the same; The word exhorts to cry aloud, and praise his holy name. Should those here hold their peace, whom God has his own Spirit given, Where could he look for honor due, and whom make meet for Heaven?

Regardless of the world’s cold frown, we would march boldly on, Nor right nor left would turn, but go where our dear Saviour’s gone, There’s mansions there, and Jesus will prepare his saints a place, Where they will never cease to sing of his redeeming grace.

Are we expecting to be there, and share each proffered bliss? The Father’s love is not in those who love a world like this. Then tarry not in all the plain; seek high and holy ground, Lest in the balance when we’re weighed, we should be wanting found.

When dark misfortune’s tide is up, Its surges running high, If we have lost our hold on God, Where then for refuge fly?

Oppressed, desponding, near despair, Health, strength and courage fled, These cheering words heed, “Brother, live!” And raise your sinking head.

Though anguish deep, and bitter grief Be felt and long be borne, Abide the test; seek no relief That’s not from Heaven alone.

Deliverance must be found in God, A blessing to secure; There is encouragement for those Who trials well endure.

In tribulation’s beaten path, The ancient prophets trod; It is the only way that brings The wanderer home to God.

Let patience have its perfect work, Be purified and tried; Be ready when the King shall come, To e’er with him abide.

The article which now you think So perfect and complete, Would doubtless be, if half as long, For printing twice as meet.

Once and again your thoughts condense, Then what remains improve; For matter must be weighty now, The minds of men to move.

No preface does your piece demand, No introduction needs; Select the wheat, but cast aside The straw, and chaff, and weeds.

How many worse than wasted hours Are spent foul works to read, Fictions which poison heart and mind, And basest passions feed.

Search for some richer gems than these, Ideas new and rare; Soon will you learn the good to save, The valueless to spare.

With heart and mind thus disciplined, And quickened every sense, Let these three rules your pen control— Condense, condense, condense.

When love unites the saints There’ll be no sad complaints Against each other; No bitter root will spring, A wrong report to bring Against a brother.

Each will delight to see Sweet peace and harmony, And long for more; God’s love the heart will fill, And selfish motives kill, As ne’er before.

In union there’ll be strength, Through all the breadth and length Of this grand host; Armed for the battle-field, No point of truth they’ll yield, Firm at their post.

And when the battle’s o’er, They’re safe forevermore, With Christ their King; Through him they gain their crown, And lay their weapons down, And victory sing.

The Lord is mine, his will my choice; I’m his to suffer or rejoice, While here on earth I stay. I know in whom I have believed; He has my sacrifice received, And will direct my way.

Whate’er he calls me here to do, He’ll give me grace and help me through; He’ll lead and guide me home. He’s promised to be with me here, And said to me, “Be of good cheer, The world I’ve overcome.”

Let friends deride, let scoffers rage, Let hell against my soul engage; No one of them I fear. My Lord has conquered all my foes, In vain they rage, or me oppose, While my Deliverer’s near.

Myself, my all, to God I give, And to his glory would I live, From sin’s dominion freed. I’ll trust him though he hides his face. Sufficient for me is his grace, In every time of need.

He’s coming, whom we have desired, In all his saints to be admired; Even so, Lord Jesus, come. Come, in thine own appointed way; We’d wait in patience to that day, When thou shalt call us home.

Is there one here, who, e’er thus far, Has blameless been preserved? Who never strayed, made one mistake, Or e’er from duty swerved?

There may have been no outward act To cause one pang of grief; But has there been no secret fault, No sin of unbelief?

Then judge not harshly; who can tell Thy brother’s suffering now, That he has failed in any point, To pay the Lord his vow?

From secret faults, the Psalmist prayed, Dear Lord, oh! cleanse thou me, And from presumptuous sins keep back, Preserve and make me free.

Left to himself, how great his fall! And he himself the guide. How humbled, mortified, subdued, His vanity and pride!

We are left to sin, to punish sin, No consolation here; Reflection only swells the tide Of anguish sad and drear.

Our falls oft cause a bitter grief, That no redemption knows; The deep, the painful, bleeding wound, Time here can never close.

The die when cast, the ship when sunk, To light can never rise. Our good name lost—and all on board, Then goes in sad surprise.

Oh! what a vacancy then made, An empty, aching void; Our peace of mind in silence crushed, And hope’s bright boon destroyed.

But there is pardon with our God, For crimes of deepest dye; Be self and pride then humbled low, In dust and ashes lie.

It should be there, and God will see Those whom he loves refined. He’ll keep them in the crucible Till they his statutes mind.

He’ll watch the furnace and will see The gold sustains no loss. Oh! be the faithful process borne, And all consumed the dross.

God must in us his image see, And we reflect the same. Oh! may we honor and adore, And glorify his name.

Confess your faults, and for each other pray; The slanderous tongue, oh! be it far away; That tameless thing which sets the world on fire, And rouses all the angry passion’s ire.

Where this is god, our God can ne’er abide, Nor where there’s lightness, selfishness, or pride; His dwelling’s with the meek and low of heart, And for himself he’ll set all these apart.

Who would not thus be honored of the Lord, And have from him a large and rich reward? Who would not be with saints and angels blest, And have in Heaven at last eternal rest?

Live for it, then; all God’s commandments keep, Although the way be through afflictions deep. Cast all your care on Him who cares for you, And he will lead and guide you safely through.

And when you reach fair Canaan’s blissful shore, When sin and suffering are forever o’er, You’ll find the city glorious to behold, Christ is its light, its streets all paved with gold.

You’ll by the King of kings be welcomed there, Where tuned to praise is every sigh and prayer. No blight to mar, no tear to dim the sight; And to the tree of life you’ll have a right.

You’ll meet dear loved ones long since fallen asleep, All deathless raised from their lone caverns deep; Together there you’ll sing, We’re saved by grace, And brought by Jesus to this glorious place.

No farewell parting, no sad word adieu, Your home forever in the earth made new. Oh! bliss which mortal tongue can ne’er express, To be with Jesus, robed in righteousness.

Glory and honor will to Him be given, Who’s purchased for us peace and rest in Heaven, Who bore our sins, and by whose stripes we’re healed. And to eternal life and glory sealed.

With glory, hallelujah, Heaven will ring, In honor to the Lord our sovereign King. Each will his note the highest strive to raise, To give to Jesus, honor, glory, praise.

Angel of mercy art thou here And hovering o’er us now? Oh! may we all before our God, In adoration bow.

To heed the message, or reject, The world will soon decide. While some in love receive the truth, More will its claims deride;

Why will they slight the offered boon? Though we their lot deplore, They place themselves beyond the reach Of mercy’s lingering store.

Too late! their dreadful doom now sealed, Too late! will be their cry; We might have lived, but now, alas! The second death must die.

The Spirit and the bride say come, Let naught obstruct the way; But hasten God’s commands to keep, And all his will obey.

Oh! be entreated while there’s hope, To heed the message given; That with the ransomed you may find A place of rest in Heaven.

We love; for Jesus loves, We love his image here. We love to meet, we love to pray, And hold each other dear.

We know it’s of the Lord, Or we could not unite With those ne’er seen before In bonds of sweet delight.

By this shall all men know, One family we are. Oh! could they know our joys, And with us in them share!

There’s hope, we know there’s hope, That mercy lingers yet, Or we should cease to feel, Their miseries forget.

We’ll feel as Jesus feels; We’ll love and pity too; We’ll weep, we’ll pray, we’ll plead, And tell them it’s for you.

This love we’ll not give o’er Though we endure their hate. ’Twill urge, Oh! come to Christ Ere it shall be too late.

’Twill bring us at their feet In attitude of prayer, ’Twill cry, O Lord, forgive, And these yet longer spare.

He says, I hear your prayer, I’ll save if they will come, Oh! then to God return, And have in Heaven a home.

Have mercy, Lord, we often pray, And lead us in the narrow way, While we ourselves refuse to go Where God can lead or mercy show.

Have mercy on yourselves. Beware Lest you are caught in Satan’s snare, Or wandering far on worldly ground, Are in its deadening spirit drowned.

Have mercy on yourselves. Take heed, That no perverted taste you feed; That neither word nor act degrade The vows and promises you’ve made.

True, in ourselves we helpless are To help ourselves. Lord help, ’s our prayer, Poor, wretched, miserable and blind, In thee all needed help we find.

Be this our motto, then: We’ll try To help ourselves; while God is nigh; And he in every trying hour Will aid us with his sovereign power.

Those who’ve heard the proclamation Of a coming Saviour near, Will behold him in great splendor, When in clouds he shall appear.

He will come; this generation Will not pass till all is o’er. Signs foretell he’s now approaching, And is even at the door.

Oh! what scenes will burst upon us, When the heavens and earth shall shake, When the trump of God is sounding, And the dead in Christ awake!

Saints now living, made immortal, With the risen from the dead, All arrayed in robes of honor, With their Saviour at their head.

Freed from sin and every sorrow, Ever to be with their Lord, And for all they’ve suffered for him, Meet a rich and sure reward.

But where will the thoughtless sinner Find a secret place to hide, From the wrath of him who loved us, And for us was crucified?

Rocks and mountains cannot hide them, Caves and dens are sought in vain; Unlamented and unburied, Will be found the wicked slain.

If there’s yet one ray of mercy, Lingering for transgressors here, Let them haste to gain the treasure, Bought and paid for us so dear.

The great day is near, when probation no more, For the careless backslider will longer remain; And the sinner will find when all mercy is o’er, What a treasure he’s lost which he might have attain’d.

The saints will come forth in immortal array, Their triumph o’er death and the grave be complete, The living be changed, and together ascend, Their glorious Redeemer in Heaven to meet.

With him forever, ’tis said they will be, And the song of their victory never shall end. Forever with Christ in his glorious home,— Oh, who can such glory and bliss comprehend?

And are we prepared for this glorious place? Are we able to stand when the Lord shall appear? Our victory o’er self must be full and entire, Or still for ourselves may we tremble and fear.

God loves to redeem and to save us from sin; Let us haste to pursue the true path of reform; And the strength of Omnipotence then will be ours; We shall conquer the foe, we shall weather the storm.

Domestic afflictions! Oh! how they divide; How sad when we can’t in each other confide, This anguish, though deep, must in silence be borne, Abroad, home afflictions should not be made known.

Beware when ’tis said, Oh! how happy you are, Not even to hint there’s a skeleton there, The sight of which fills with deep anguish the heart, Oh! ’tis nought to see loved ones and kindred depart.

When the grave has enclosed them, the grief wears away; But oh! living griefs on the stoutest hearts prey; Though you smile and seem joyful, ’tis but to conceal The depth of the misery you inwardly feel.

How oft, where true peace undisturbed is enjoyed, By a member additional, all is destroyed; No congenial spirit, domestic joys o’er, And home, O sweet home, there is realized no more.

When obliged to have inmates aside from our own, How oft seeds of discord and anguish are sown; The world thus is filled with confusion and strife, Embittering the peace and the quiet of life.

Well, be this our portion; be broken each tie; On the arm of the Lord we alone must rely. With a meek, quiet spirit, resigning our all, Content in our Father’s allotments to fall.

I long, O God! to call thee mine, And know that I am truly thine; That all I think, or say, or do, May meet thine approbation, too.

In all, thy glory I would seek, And but for thee, Lord, would not speak; I’d raise my voice in grateful lays, Nor would I move but to thy praise.

I’d part with joys of earthly mould, And pass through trials yet untold, Could I but know my Lord was there, And did each bitter cup prepare.

I’d love to drink it, and rejoice To have thy will, dear Lord, my choice. If I might choose, I’d leave to thee The whole control of mine and me.

God will protect and save his own, Though in the fiery furnace thrown; But did we know our case was sure, ’T might not effect sin’s needed cure.

To break our hold of every tie, That we to sin and self may die, God seems to quite forsake us here, Nor leave one ray of light to cheer.

Though painful now, “the darkest day, To-morrow, will have passed away,” Deliverance will be found ere long, And then will come the conquerer’s song.

If I am favored here to share An answer to my Saviour’s prayer, We shall be one, his voice I’ll hear, When in the clouds he shall appear.

Oh! glorious day to those who’re found In Him when the last trump shall sound; Their sorrows and their sufferings o’er, And prayer to praise turned evermore.

Temptations are presented, and we yield e’er we’re aware, And again become entangled in the tempter’s subtle snare; Our warring passions raging, with the sound of battle din, Though outward foes in arms array, this warfare is within.

There’s hatred, pride and unbelief, and many evils there, And our besetting sins oft battle faith and humble prayer; [062] Thus wasted are our energies, our strength and nobler powers, And we ourselves deprive of joys, which otherwise were ours.

Poor, wretched, miserable and blind, how vain our boastings all; Our misspent moments, worse than lost, we never can recall. The good we might have done, had we obeyed each precept given, Will be a blank, and less will be our crowns of joy in Heaven.

Why wound our souls? Why take the gall perverted tastes to please, When nought but Jesus’ dying blood, God’s anger can appease? Like Peter we deny our Lord, and spurn his tender care; Such base ingratitude as this, who but a God could bear?

Most deeply must we feel and weep, ere Christ will on us look, And bless us with the assurance, that our names are in life’s book; He knows our frailties and is touched with penitential tears; ’Tis just like Jesus to forgive, and banish all our fears.

Such depths of love, such pity, too, should make us prostrate fall Before our King whom we should crown forever “Lord of all;” [063] And when we’re freely justified, continued help we crave, Our strength is weakness, and ourselves from sin we cannot save.

Thy mission here was, Lord, to save thy people from their sins, And here if e’er we overcome, is where our hope begins. Through Christ alone the victory’s gained, and nothing can we merit; If we are overcomers, we in him all things inherit.

Not unto us, but Lord to thee, the glory shall be given; It is the noblest song on earth, ’twill noblest be in Heaven; No warring passions to unstring the holy, heavenly lyre, At the loss of all things here, would I be one in that blest choir.

If our heart do not condemn us, we have confidence in God, We can bear the world’s reproaches, we can bear affliction’s rod; If we suffer with the Saviour, we shall also with him reign, Here we cast our burden on him, with the promise, he’ll sustain.

What though false reports are started, and believed by those we love? [064] We can love though they turn from us; we can plead for them above; Lord, impart the Holy Spirit; for the want of this they erred; Had they waited for thy teachings, they the Shepherd’s voice had heard;

Would have known thy stately steppings, when thy glory was displayed; Would have felt the holy influence, and thine urgent call obeyed. Oh! withhold no blessing from them, for the wrong dealt out to me, But for Jesus’ sake have mercy; mercy, Lord, is all our plea.

Jesus has pronounced a blessing on those falsely here accused, Who for his sake are derided, persecuted and abused; He has said, Rejoice, in that day ye may be exceeding glad, Greater still our joy in Heaven, when in robes of glory clad.

He will hide in his pavilion; there we’re safe from every foe, Under the Almighty’s shadow we can through disasters go; Well can we bear wrongs and censure, while God knows our innocence, While he justifies us freely; is our shield and our defense.

Glory to the Lord, my Saviour! glory to his holy name! Oh! for his sake I can suffer, bear reproach and grief and shame! [065] Who, with such a friend as Jesus, can be troubled or dismayed? Who while on the waters walking, said, ’Tis I, be not afraid.

He can still the raging tempest; him the winds and waves obey; While we sail these seas of trouble, he will smooth and calm the way. Soon the ship will be in harbor, storms and tempests all be o’er; Oh! how blest the glorious landing, tossed with sins and griefs no more!

The dearest joys of earth can ne’er One solid pleasure give; We’re only blest when we can know That ’tis for God we live.

We love by nature what he hates; We shun ourselves to see; We love our appetites and pride, Ease and carnality.

The strife must come, and self must die, Our idols all be slain; How sad should they o’er us at last Their cruel victory gain!

Too soon we cannot overcome Our every sin and wrong. Through Jesus let us conquer self, And join the blood-washed throng.

Our wings of strength and zeal we plume, And rouse the dormant will, To yield our hearts to Nature’s laws, And all their claims fulfill.

This move in heavenly wisdom made, To fit for trouble’s hour, Has blessings for the willing heart, Of health and strength and power.

That all around may see the light, Let’s raise our banner high, And be epistles known and read By all who may come nigh.

The platform for us now is laid; Reform is on the sign; We’ll rally round, resolving each, It’s blessings shall be mine.

The offering has been made, The ransom has been paid; On one full strong to save Has help for us been laid. Behold, O God, our shield, On thine Anointed look, And blot, for his dear sake, Our sins from out thy book.

Sins now of deepest dye, Can all be washed away; God just, and justify Those who his laws obey. “Glory to God on high; [067] Good will to men on earth:”— Such was the rapturous cry, That told a Saviour’s birth.

The Saviour’s life and death, “Has ruined Satan’s throne;” His mighty arm, alone, Can crush his empire down. Though god now of this world, His triumph soon is o’er. We hail the dawning day When he shall reign no more.

Salvation’s wondrous plan, Has made all Heaven rejoice; ’Tis wisdom now in man To make this boon his choice. By this can he o’ercome, And when each sin’s forgiven, Be found at last an heir Of glory and of Heaven.

Ere long at home in Heaven, His place of final rest— There’s no oppressor there; And none will be oppressed. All harmony and love, All joy and glory there— Say, would you not in these Eternal blessings share?

Live then for joys like these; Hear Jesus’ voice to-day, Who comes to me, I will In no wise cast away. Just as you are, then, come; Secure his pardoning love, And have, at last, the bliss, And joy of Heaven above.

The voice of a stranger my sheep will not hear; I know them, they follow, my words reach their ear. I’ll lead them, direct them, they never need stray, I myself am the life, and the truth, and the way.

Yea, Lord, this we know; but we lose sight of thee; Unguarded we’re snared ere our danger we see; So hidden the net, ’tis in thy light alone That a spirit that’s not of thee clearly is known.

O Lord search us out; our impurities heal; Thou, tempted, though sinless, knowest all that we feel; A way of escape for the humble thou’lt find, And help them the pure testimony to bind.

How sweet and consoling the true Shepherd’s voice! His love I’ll acknowledge and in him rejoice; O Lord I believe, help my unbelief now, To trust all to thee and perform every vow.

My strength is but weakness; be thou, Lord, my strength; Thy love may I know in its hight, depth and length; Reflecting thine image, thy will being mine, My darkness enlightened, the true light must shine.

We then can do all things through Jesus our Lord, With the sword of the Spirit, his own written word; The foes that lurk inward being all put to flight, God truly goes with us our battles to fight.

Each keeping the ranks, all united in one, Saying, Lord, as thou hast commanded, we’ve done; No weapon will prosper formed here to divide, And victory will turn upon Israel’s side.

Through day and night my tears have been my meat, Anguish and grief there find a blest retreat; The spirit crushed, the heart with anguish riven, Almost forgets there will be rest in Heaven.

Dear loved one sleeping—sympathy, oh, where? Is there no one who will our sorrows share? The flowing streamlet, and the murmuring rill, In ocean find a kindred spirit still.

Do tears oft say, Oh! where is now thy God? Submit to this and every chastening rod. I’d calmly yield to every needed ill, And learn to bear God’s visitation still.

Not unaccustomed to the galling yoke, Though oft uncalled for, I would bear each stroke; Though wet with tears my pillow oft may be, Still to the Lord for succor will I flee.

Great peace have they that love thy law, Them nothing will offend; They’ll bear neglect, reproach and scorn, Though without cause contemned.

Their innocence will bear them up, Though falsely they’re accused; Their hearts will melt with love for those By whom they are abused.

The court of Heaven their cause will plead, The innocent will clear; Though men may load their names with guilt, While they continue here.

A consciousness of right within, Great peace and joy afford; How free, how happy, oh! how blest, Communing with the Lord.

He says revile not, when reviled, Thy wrongs I will repay; Be every burden cast on me, I’ll be thy strength and stay.

In view of dear and loved ones gone, We oft feel desolate and lone. We seek man’s sympathy in vain; A passing look we hardly gain.

But few can feel another’s woe; And fewer still will with us go To share the depth of heart-felt grief; And sacrifice to give relief.

To bear affliction’s chastening rod, Our confidence must be in God. With this above the cloud we soar, And soon we’ll shout our suffering o’er.

Disease and dark misfortune’s frown, Then will not sink our spirits down. We’ll shout, O death where is thy sting? O grave thou canst no victory bring!

By Jesus, our Deliverer, freed, No light of sun or moon we need. His glory is the city’s light, And with him there we’ve all a right.

Each bitter pang which here we bear, Will be a gem of glory there. Th’ eternal weight of glory, wrought By suffering is not dearly bought.

Be cold indifference, grief or pain Mine to endure—the loss is gain. Through sorrow’s depths I here would wade To be through sufferings perfect made.

Worldly sorrow worketh death; Sink not beneath its power; ’Twill darken much that else were bright, In mercy’s lingering hour.

Forgotten be the trials past, The present meekly borne; Our burdens cast upon the Lord, Who comforts those that mourn.

With heavenly wisdom we shall know What God would have us do; While moving in his order on, Our hope and strength renew.

Revived and strengthened we’re prepared To spread the truth abroad, Beseeching men in Jesus’ stead, Be reconciled to God.

Then jewels will be gathered in, The church built up again, And all prepared to meet the Lord, Who’s coming soon to reign.

Are we loitering on the way To the realms of endless day? Sleep we on while danger’s near? Have we nought to dread or fear?

Let us heed the call, Awake! Our eternal all’s at stake; One false step our fate may seal, Ruin, soon our souls may feel.

Foes our every move to spy, All around in ambush lie; Watching, they will take the place Left unfortified by grace.

Oh! what havoc then is made, Structures fair in ruin laid; Messengers driven from the field, Those who should be valiant, yield.

Some who started to go through Now a wicked course pursue; What account must soon be given! Why thus sink in sight of Heaven?

Flee, oh! flee the tempter’s snare! There is power with God in prayer; He is ready to forgive, Saying, Look to me and live.

The heart knows its bitterness, thought ’t may be said, You are happy and blest all the while; The depth of your misery, your burden of sin May in anguish be hid ’neath a smile.

Thy waves and thy billows are over me gone, With the Psalmist, I mournfully say, And ask, Why cast down? Why disquieted, opprest? ’Tis why I’ve no heart now to pray?

Has the Spirit been grieved? Has it taken its flight? To this desolate self am I left? And merited sure, naught else is deserved, But to be thus of comfort bereft.

I groan, being burdened, and cannot look up, By reason of sin’s dread array, O keep back from sins, and from secret faults cleanse, Or despairing, I sink in dismay.

Sin hardens, and blinds, and shuts up in despair; The way of transgressors is hard, Its end is destruction, its wages are death, Thus forever from Heaven debarred.

This anguish of spirit, this sad state of the soul, I must bear though I may not submit. God is just though I perish, his throne remains pure, However many he may not acquit.

Oh! for one gleam of hope, thus to break the dread spell, By which I in misery seem bound; Naught of earth, but the power of Heaven must heal Sin’s painful, sin’s deep, bleeding wound.

Should I ever again meet the smiles of my God, Should I ever his praise again sing, In rapturous song I would swell the grand theme, And my tribute of thanksgiving bring.

Oh! here is the mystery,—give glory to God; The blessing is coming e’en now. I’ll sing hallelujah, I’ll praise and adore, And low in humility bow.

With the Psalmist, I cry, Come praise ye the Lord, Praise and glory to God now belong; My heart with my hands, lift to God in the Heavens, Giving praise with the angelic throng.

This praise ne’er will end; the redeemed will unite, And with angels, God’s glory repeat. To the pure tree of life all will there have a right, And the fruit of the vineyard will eat.

How blest to know Jesus our Lord will be there, The glory and light of the place. And the song which forever will rise on its air, Will be sung to his sovereign grace.

We may look for a Pentecost season to dawn When the saints through the purifying process have gone; When Jesus’ loved image in them we can trace, Reflecting the glory of full sovereign grace.

Who then will not wish when this glory they see To join in the song, Hallelujah, we’re free! Yea, free in the Lord, while our voices we raise In victory’s songs and hosannas of praise.

The true melting Spirit is felt from the Lord, And light and instruction shine out from his word. God’s power is made known and his glory displayed, While scoffers will feel that they need Heaven’s aid.

Who here long can stand with his sins unconfessed? May all be searched out, and God’s people be blessed. Confess ye your faults, and thus honor your King, And into his store-house your offerings bring.

’Tis a cross-bearing way by which Heaven is obtained; In humility’s vale is the victory gained. True love there prevails; and our sins are forgiven, While union and strength mark the pilgrims for Heaven.

The time has come, that all-important day, When sins must be confessed and washed away! When hearts must feel, and conscience’ voice be heard In swift obedience to God’s holy word.

“Be zealous and repent,” is God’s command. We must in humble ranks united stand. With us, ’tis said, the judgment first begins; And we must soon be cleansed from all our sins.

We must let Jesus in. Our mighty foe Is ready to effect our overthrow. With Christ we’re safe; in conflict he’ll unite, Help on to victory, and maintain the right.

The eye-salve, well applied, sheds light around, And all our secret faults and sins are found, To be confessed, while Jesus intercedes, And while for us his precious blood he pleads.

Though scarlet be our sins—of crimson dye— If penitent, he’ll not our suit deny. He waits for full confession, which, when made, Whate’er our sin and guilt, he’ll not upbraid.

He’s ready to acquit and set us free, And will proclaim our perfect liberty. He’ll seal us his, and make us here his care; He’ll fit us for his throne, and take us there.

He’s cutting short his work in righteousness, And coming soon his waiting saints to bless. When once he’s left the mediatorial place, No ray of mercy lights our ruined race.

’Twill then be known, the offers we’ve refused, The blood-bought privileges that we’ve abused— How must it sharpen every pang of guilt To think, for us the Saviour’s blood was spilt;

To know we might have had our sins forgiven, And lived forever with the loved in Heaven. In view of anguish deep we then must feel. No wounds of sin may we here slightly heal.

Broad as th’ offense, confession I will make, And all my dear, loved idol sins forsake. Yes, glory be to God! the victory’s gained, And self-denial shall be hence maintained.

’Twill take our all to buy the pure tried gold; And naught of earth can we in heart withhold. A cheaper way I would not, could I, go; A dearer way no one can ever show.

I love the blessed way; it buoys me up; My Saviour’s here, and with him I may sup. I’ll be content with nothing short of this; And this alone makes Heaven perpetual bliss.

Then let us make our hope and calling sure; And all our trials patiently endure. They’ll soon be o’er; our lives we’ll not hold dear, And soon in glory with our Lord appear.

There is a people coming up, with gifts and power divine, Whose holy influence will be felt, whose holy light will shine; It will be known who do in truth, the solemn message heed, Such will be zealous and repent, becoming saints indeed.

Their love and union will increase, their interests will be one; They’ll know that they are heirs of God, and joint heirs with his Son; They’ll love God for his own dear sake, not that He’s them forgiven; And truly “sin will be their hell, and holiness their Heaven.”

Their company will be the saints, and each will be so dear, They’ll love to make a sacrifice to benefit them here. They’ll love for their Redeemer’s sake; as answers face to face, So will their hearts while they in each, his lovely image trace.

This dread, dull sameness will not long among the saints bear sway, The glory in their midst will soon purge all the chaff away; Thus separated from the vile, the strong be stronger still; The great refreshing time is near, and all may come who will.

But, oh! some will not be refined, nor give their idols up; Such never will let Jesus in, nor with him ever sup. They yet may linger round the shore, and think to get on board, But they must come to Heaven’s terms; the standard can’t be lowered.

Thrice happy they who’re in the ship, though tossed with angry waves! “Our Father’s at the helm,” and all who trust in him he saves; Those who in heart give up their all, lie passive in his hand, He’ll bring with safety into port, to their own promised land.

While men, our faults perceiving not, would move our fame to raise, How oft our natures weakly yield to flattery and praise, Oh! what in us should e’er excite our vanity and pride! Or cause us not in lowliness, vain thoughts of self to hide?

Let deeds of charity and love in all our life abound; Philanthrophy fails not to go, where’er a sufferer’s found, To seek the poor, degraded, low, the wicked and debased, Though his own name by slander’s tongue, be ever thus defaced.

These are the jewels he would gain, this course would fain pursue; That he is not like them, he asks, to whom is glory due? Who made us thus to differ here? who gives the strength and power To hold the victory over self, in dark temptation’s hour?

Let him who thinks he stands take heed; this is the word to all; The strongest may be overcome, and through temptation fall. Do we in higher circles move? are higher placed by birth? No such distinction will be known, when moldering in the earth.

But deeds of kind benevolence will live when we are dead; The poor will think how they were clothed, and shared our daily bread; The once abandoned who’ve reformed beneath our fostering care, Will bless the day they ever lived our sympathies to share.

Such the remembrance I would have, alive or in my grave, To have been the humble instrument some sinking soul to save. [080] For this I turn from pleasure’s scenes, to weep with those that weep; To strive their sufferings to assuage, their confidence to keep.

Though on them glows the copper tint, though African their race, What matters these distinctions of their nation, lot, or place? For oh! the highest joy of earth is comfort to impart To those who lie ’neath fortune’s frowns, with sad and suffering heart.

Though hidden from the public view, unseen your acts of love, If heart and hand be clean and pure, their record lives above. Let me thus seek my neighbor’s good, thus helpless sufferers raise; Be this the glory of my fame; be deeds of love my praise.

Have you again become To appetite a slave? You’ve boasted victory here, Why sink beneath the wave?

You say, I have no hope, No strength within me lies, And sinking still, I fear I ne’er again shall rise.

My efforts all have failed, To keep the victory gained. Where look for refuge now? Or hope to be sustained?

A helpless sufferer, true, On confines of despair, While knowing there’s no hope, If you continue there.

Debased and losing still Life’s elevating powers, A worse than blank you feel In this grand world of ours.

A world God loved so well, He sent his only Son, That we through him might find On earth a Heaven begun.

A world to which he sends Rich blessings from above, And daily here renews His covenant of love.

Be moved, despairing one; Be helped again to live; God pities, and will yet A greater victory give.

He’s waiting your return, With pardon in his hand; In his strength you can rise, And in him we can stand.

Yes; stand amidst the scenes Of peril, war and strife, While Jesus is our guide To everlasting life.

Come while he waits to save. Your case will hopeless be Except you come where God In Christ can make you free.

Come and he’ll save you here From sin’s destructive power, And be your all, when comes The great decisive hour.

There’s safety only in the Lord, whate’er our station be; We may be rich, we may be poor, may be on land or sea. Life’s changing fortune will be ours where’er our lot is cast; Unchanged in mind be ours to meet each change while it shall last.

Dear friends are with us here to day with prospects fair to live; To-morrow to the dust, in tears, their dear remains we give. Now pain and suffering is our lot; now dawns a brighter day; But soon a cloud o’ercasts the sky and shuts the light away.

An under current often works to sweep away our peace, Our reputation is at stake, our trials fast increase. [083] Dear reputation, dearest far, of all we’ve called our own, Must be defaced; then be it so; to God all things are known,

Be every circumstance combined, the elements to raise; By these be every trace removed of all our evil ways. When Jesus speaks it will be calm, the storm and wind subside; Oh! may it last till all is gone of selfishness and pride.

All else but this we could endure; this then is what we need; Our very idol must be slain, and we from self be freed. Then are we fit for Heaven’s use, to help build up God’s cause, To boldly speak in his defense, and vindicate his laws.

Oh! be it ours to live for God, his glory all our aim; He’ll work in power when we come to him in Jesus’ name. All that is wrong will he remove, and bring the truth to light; Oh! we can trust our all with him; his ways are just and right.

We’ll go then where he leads the way, whatever man may say. The greatest saint is nought except the Lord direct his way. Angels can’t help but through their Lord; to his arm all is due; We’ll follow him, for surely he will lead us safely through.

God knows our needs, he overrules, and calls this work his own; We’re agents to perform his will, as he shall make it known. Thus has an Institute been built; in this his hand we see; Where health reform is lived and taught, in strictest harmony.

We look, admire, in joy exclaim, Come see what God hath wrought! Here invalids are raised to health, and truth and duty taught. Perverted tastes are overcome; the way to live we learn; And all who will its rules obey, a rich experience earn.

The light and truth are carried forth by those who leave the place, Showing what ground may yet be gained by our degenerate race. How blest! for those who overcome their every sin and wrong, Can love the right, and walk in ways that life and health prolong.

None can appreciate its worth, but those who test its powers; This grand reform! how great and good! Its blessings shall be ours. Pure nature’s fruits no art require to gratify the taste, And those who stop at her demands, nor time nor substance waste.

Who will escape the many ills increasing on the land? The cleansed and purified alone, diseases can withstand. Haste, then, the cleansing process here, God’s precepts all obey, And be prepared to stand when comes the great and dreadful day.

Though knowledge here is power, yet ’tis love subdues the heart, Subjects the will to Heaven, and will endless life impart. It conquers every passion; and the soul that feels its power Moves in a world of freedom, within its own loved bower.

’Tis shielded, safely shielded; the interior nought can reach; No outward condemnation can this inward love impeach. No weapon formed can prosper; and it fears no outward foe: While all within is conquered, ’tis a Heaven begun below.

The world’s applause, its censure too, are both alike received; If undeserved, ’tis heeded not, though all may be believed. It knows no good but that in God, it bears life’s every ill, And moves undauntedly along, in Heaven’s own blessed will.

Though outwardly you see conveyed “a libel in a frown,” You’ll stand unmoved, though they may “wink your reputation down;” Your deeds of charity assailed, your motives questioned too— Reviled, you’ll not revile again, nor fear what man can do.

Oh! for the gold tried in the fire—our eyes anointed here— White raiment that we may be clothed, and not in shame appear. We then should move in harmony; our God would own and bless; We then should see his works abound in love and righteousness.

The day is near, it hasteth on, when saints will all unite; When every sin will be confessed, and every wrong made right; When we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known, And sit with Jesus, as he sits upon his Father’s throne.

Oh! glory, hallelujah to our high, exalted King; We’ll praise him here, we’ll praise him there, and make Heaven’s arches ring. Who then can sacrifice too much, too much for him endure? So may we purify ourselves, as Christ our Lord is pure.

Though earth delights and charms us here, its treasures are but naught; In wisdom’s light ’tis clearly seen how dear its love is bought, The price though now not realized, must soon be strictly paid. For this the soul must perish soon, in hopeless ruin laid.

The second death must be endured in anguish and despair; While you will see the righteous saved, no friend can reach you there. Oh! loss beyond all losses! Then what profit here to gain This fleeting world, and call at last for endless life, in vain!

The blood of Jesus set at naught—rejected every call— The Spirit will be forced to yield, and let God’s vengeance fall. The wrath of God e’en now impends; and soon you’ll feel its weight. Oh! flee for refuge while there’s hope; full soon ’twill be too late.

A moment more the Saviour waits; for you his blood he pleads, My blood! my Father, oh, my blood! forgive the sinner’s deeds! But if you still refuse to bow, and be by him forgiven, You must be banished from the Lord, and find no place in Heaven.

To free from sin and second death, the Saviour’s blood has cost— What weeping and what wailing when you see what you have lost. God’s justice will be manifest in your destruction sure; And hopeless agony will be your portion to endure.

Once more in prayer I prostrate fall, once more I’ll plead your case; Have mercy, Lord, and here bestow unmerited free grace. He’s knocking now! he’s wet with dew! Oh! let the Saviour in; He’ll sup with you, and you with him; he’ll cleanse you from all sin.