Part 4 (1/2)

Wistful upon the strand I gaze Toward heaven, my country's sh.o.r.e, Expecting hence ere long to sail, And sin and weep no more.

When I depart for other worlds, What friend will cleave to me?

None, none, how well soe'er beloved-- Dear Jesus, none but Thee.

XXIX.

A FATHER AT THE HELM.

Far, far on the ocean one cold starless night, A small bark was sailing in pitiful plight: The boom of the billows, as on rushed the storm, O'ercame the stout hearts of the men with alarm.

But one in that lone boat was fearless the while,-- The captain's bright boy:--looking round with a smile: ”The storm threatens,” he said, ”but still do not fear, We safely shall land, for _my Father doth steer._”

O why, child of heaven, is thy faithless breast, In viewing the tempest with terror oppressed?

The dark depths are roaring, but yield not to fear, Thy vessel is safe, for thy Father doth steer.

Soon, soon endless joy shall encompa.s.s thy brow, Thy friends on the sh.o.r.e are awaiting thee now: Unfurl every sail, see the bright morn appear, And Canaan is nigh, and thy Father doth steer.

Unfurl every sail, for the favouring breeze Is urging thee on to the haven of peace: Thine anchor is safe--thou to Jesus art dear: Thou hast entered the port--and thy Father doth steer.

x.x.x.

EVENING HYMN.

Jesus, my Saviour and my G.o.d, Who gavest us thy precious blood To heal our guilty smart: O give me faith to make my nest, Where this my soul may hide and rest, Within thy wounded heart.

In thy safe bosom let me lie, Prepared in holy peace to die, If Thou ere morn shouldst call: Then may thine angel-guards attend, And me from Satan's power defend, Lest to his hands I fall.

x.x.xI.

LONGING.

Direct unto my G.o.d, With speed, my cry ascend: Present to Him this urgent plea:-- ”In mercy, Lord, attend!

”Fulfil thy gracious word, ”To bring me to thy rest; ”In Salem soon my place prepare, ”And make me ever blest!

”Down in a vale of tears ”Where dwelt my Christ I mourn, ”And in the conflict with my foes, ”My tender heart is torn: ”O heal each bleeding wound, ”With thy life-giving tree; ”In Salem, Lord, above the strife, ”A place prepare for me!”

x.x.xII.

A GLANCE.

A pilgrim I to Canaan flee, To dwell, my blessed Lord, with Thee In thine eternal rest:[4]

Beyond the tempter's roar and dart, And every foe to cause me smart, Thy constant, filial guest.

Afar I sometimes see below A glimpse of Salem's mansions glow, All blessed, all divine: O city high, nor sun nor moon, Arise o'er thee, G.o.d is thy noon!