Part 7 (1/2)

Toward heaven, my Father's home, I steer, Tossed on the billowy flood: A man that hath no purpose here Save seeking for his G.o.d.

Let me not swerve to right or left, Or of thy guidance tire; Kept in the course that heavenward leads, Through gulphs of flood and fire.

Opposing tempests beat me back, And I have strength no more; O take me, Jesus, in thine arms, And bear to yonder sh.o.r.e.

LIV.

”FAR BETTER.”

Many dear ones are departed To the grave's dark silent land: I shall soon receive the summons There to lie amid the band; Where they hear not Any more sad earth's complaints.

Blest are they who have expired In the Lord, supremely blest!

In the port so oft desired They for ever safely rest.

How much better, There to sing than sigh with us!

LV.

EARTH AND HEAVEN.

My cup doth often while below, With Marah's waters overflow: But care and grief which here annoy, Above shall be absorbed in joy.

The fire of love within the breast Is here but fond desire at best: The faintest spark in heaven it knows With an immortal ardour glows.

The joy for which I here can hope Is but the small tormenting drop: A fathomless, eternal sea Of bliss shall there encompa.s.s me.

A distant clouded glimpse is all That Faith on earth may vision call: But unto Faith and Hope in heaven Are prospect and possession given.

Crumbs are on earth our richest fare: But banquets wait the pilgrim there.

Here cold and faint the songs we raise: But deathless there will be our praise.

Here evening shades envelope me; All darkness shall from Zion flee; Without a veil it will be given G.o.d face to face to see in Heaven.

LVI.

THE SAVED.

I see a myriad saved, Who once were faint as I; Now they have climbed the rocky steeps, And reign with Christ on high.