Part 3 (1/2)

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 pa.s.sing 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 pa.s.s, or not, Those loved ones again ever see, The gates of the City will open for all Who its glories and beauties would see.

Trust all to G.o.d.

We wait on G.o.d, 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 G.o.d, 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 G.o.d, your all.

From earth's dread ruins you'll be caught, To G.o.d'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?

The Vanity of Earth.

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 ill.u.s.trious, 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.