Part 34 (1/2)

WIDOWHOOD.

WRITTEN IN THE ISLAND OF ANTIGUA SHORTLY AFTER DR. GRAHAM'S DEATH.

PART I.

Hail; thou state of widowhood, State of those that mourn to G.o.d; Who, from earthly comforts torn, Only live to pray and mourn.

Meanest of the number, I For my dear companion sigh; Patiently my loss deplore, Mourn for one that mourns no more.

Me my consort hath outrun, Out of sight he quite has gone; He his course has finished here, First come to the sepulchre.

Following on with earnest haste, Till my mourning days are past, I my partner's steps pursue, I shall soon be happy too;

Find the ease for which I pant, Gain the only good I want; Quietly lay down my head, Sink into my earthy bed.

There my flesh shall rest in hope, Till the quickened dust mount up, When to glorious life I'll rise, To meet my husband in the skies.

PART II.

Happy they who trust in Jesus, Jesus turns our loss to gain; Still his balmy mercies ease us, Sweeten all our grief and pain.

When he calls our friends t' inherit All the glories of the blest, He a.s.sures the widowed spirit, ”Thou shalt quickly be at rest.”

Though my flesh and spirit languish, Let me not too much complain; Sure at last t' outlive my anguish, Sure to find my friend again.

Ransomed from a world of sorrow, He to-day is taken home; I shall be released to-morrow-- Come, my dear Redeemer, come.

From my sanctified distresses, Now, or when thou wilt, receive; Grant with him in thine embraces, After all my deaths, to live.

PART III.

Hail, holy, holy, holy Lord, Mysterious Three in One!

For ever be thy name adored, Thy will for ever done.

For this alone on earth I wait, To glorify my G.o.d; And suffer, since thou will'st, the state Of sacred widowhood.