Christian Poems and Hymns: Collection 2
compiled by Stephen Ross

I ask Thee for a thoughtful love,
  Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
  To wipe the weeping eyes;
A heart at leisure from itself,
  To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will
  That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do,
  Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
  And guided where to go.

Wherever in the world I am—
  In whatso'er estate,
I have a fellowship with saints
  To keep and cultivate;
A work of lowly love to do
  For Him on whom I wait.

My God, I ask for daily strength,
  To none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life,
  While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
  If Thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask
  Thy will allots to me,
Still be my spirit filled the more
  With grateful love to Thee,
And careful—less to serve Thee much,
  Than please Thee perfectly.

Briars beset my every path,
  Which call for patient care;
There is a cross in every lot,
  An earnest need for prayer;
But a lowly heart that leans on Thee
  Is happy everywhere.

In service which Thy love appoints
  There are no bonds for me;
My secret heart is taught "the truth"
  That makes Thy children "free";
A life of self-renouncing love,
  Is a life of liberty.
  —Author unknown

Is the wilderness before thee—
  Desert lands where drought abides?
Heavenly springs shall there restore thee,
  Fresh from God's exhaustless tides.

Light divine surrounds thy going,
  God Himself shall mark thy way;
Secret blessings, richly flowing,
  Lead to everlasting day.

God, thine everlasting portion,
  Feeds thee with the mighty's meat;
Price of Egypt's hard extortion,
  Egypt's food no more to eat.

Art thou weaned from Egypt's pleasures?
  God in secret thee shall keep,
There unfold His hidden treasures,
  There His love's exhaustless deep.

In the desert God will teach thee
  What the God that thou hast found—
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy;
  All His grace shall there abound.

On to Canaan's rest still wending,
  E'en thy wants and woes shall bring
Suited grace from high descending;
  Thou shalt taste of mercy's spring.

Though thy way be long and dreary,
  Eagle strength He'll still renew;
Garments fresh and foot unweary
  Tell how God hath brought thee through.

When to Canaan's long-loved dwelling
  Love divine thy foot shall bring,
There, with shouts of triumph swelling,
  Zion's songs in rest to sing.

There no stranger-God shall meet thee—
  Stranger thou in courts above—
He, who to His rest shall greet thee,
  Greets thee with a well-known love.
  —J. N. D.

But in the statutes of the Lord
Has placed his chief delight;
By day he reads or hears the Word,
And meditates by night.

[He, like a plant of gen'rous kind,
By living waters set,
Safe from the storms and blasting wind,
Enjoys a peaceful state.]

Green as the leaf, and ever fair,
Shall his profession shine
While fruits of holiness appear
Like clusters on the vine.

Not so the impious and unjust;
What vain designs they form!
Their hopes are blown away like dust,
Or chaff before the storm.

Sinners in judgment shall not stand
Amongst the sons of grace,
When Christ, the Judge, at His right hand
Appoints His saints a place.

His eye beholds the path they tread,
His heart approves it well;
But crooked ways of sinners lead
Down to the gates of hell.
  —Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
from Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

He asks of you to bring to Him
  The young as well as old;
For in His sight the souls of men
  Are far more worth than gold.

'Twas by the word that from His lips
  The world and all therein
Came into being, but how great
  The work of purging sin.

The soul of that dear little child,
  Is precious in His sight,
And 'tis a privilege you have
  To bring him to the light.

O! think of what a portion lies
  Beyond the reach of hope,
Where every soul that knows not Christ
  Will drink the bitter cup.

Store well their minds with sacred things,
  The plain, pure Gospel teach,
Leave it with Him to do the rest
  And He their hearts will reach.

And if at times discouragements
  Of every kind appear,
Oh, falter not, remember to
  The Saviour they are dear.

Just look upon that little child
  And think of Satan's aim
To lead that precious soul astray
  To suffer endless shame.

And can you let those souls be lost,
  By carelessness to win
In early life, the little ones
  Back from the paths of sin?

O! Christian, seize the privilege
  So quickly gliding o'er,
To tell the little children
  Christ lives for evermore.

Yes, tell to them that Jesus
  To save their souls did die,
And tell them of the welcome
  Awaiting them on high.

A little while, and Jesus
  Will call you far away,
To spend with Him in glory
  One endless, cloudless day.

Oh may there be some jewels,
  To deck your crown up there;
The souls of little children
  You won for Him while here.

Remember too in service,
  'Tis only in His hand
You can draw the hearts of children
  To that bright and better land.

Then seek with fervent purpose
  The young to gather in,
And bring them unto Jesus
  Saved from the paths of sin.
  —E. R. V.

Refrain:
Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,
In the heart He implanteth a song:
A song of deliverance, of courage, of strength;
In the heart He implanteth a song.

There is never a cross so heavy,
There is never a weight of woe,
But that Jesus will help to carry
Because He loveth so.

There is never a care or burden,
There is never a grief or loss,
But that Jesus in love will lighten
When carried to the cross.

There is never a guilty sinner,
There is never a wandering one,
But that God can in mercy pardon
Through Jesus Christ, His Son.
  —Anna B. Russell

Chorus:
Hear the call of His voice, so sweet;
Bring your load to the Saviour's feet;
Lean your heart on His loving breast,
Come, O come,and He will give you rest.

Beautiful words of Jesus,
Cheering us, day by day;
Throwing a gleam of sunshine
Over a cloudy way;
Casting on Him the burden
We are too weak to bear,
He will give grace sufficient,
He will regard our prayer.

Beautiful words of Jesus,
Tokens of endless rest,
When, by and by, we enter
Into His presence blest;
There shall we see His beauty,
Meet with Him face to face;
There shall we sing His glory,
Praising His matchless grace.
  —Eliza Hewitt(1851-1920)

When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy Way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy Way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy Way!

When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy Way!
When storms o'erspread the skies, teach me Thy Way!
Shine thro' the cloud and rain, thro' sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy Way!

Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy Way!
Where'er my lot be cast, teach me Thy Way!
Until the race is run, until the journey's done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy Way!
  —Benjamin Mansell Ramsay (1849-1923)

More gratitude give me,
More trust in the Lord,
More pride in His glory,
More hope in His word,
More tears for His sorrows,
More pain at His grief,
More meekness in trial,
More praise for relief.

More purity give me,
More strength to o'ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More longing for home.
More fit for the kingdom,
More used would I be,
More blessed and holy—
More, Saviour, like Thee.
  —Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876)

And then one day another knocked
Most gently at my door.
I cried, "No, Pain is living here,
There is no room for more".
And then I heard His tender voice,
"'Tis I, be not afraid".
And from the day He entered in—
The difference it made!

For though He did not bid her leave,
(My strange, unwelcome guest,)
He taught me how to live with her.
Oh, I had never guessed
That we could dwell so sweetly here,
My Lord and Pain and I,
Within this fragile house of clay
While years slip slowly by!
  —Martha Snell Nicholson (1888-1957)

And, suddenly, out of the silence,
  A Voice came clear and true,
'My child, you are striving to carry
  A burden not meant for you;
And the thought of the years outstretching
  Before you, has darkened the way;
While the only strength I have promised
  Is the sure strength day by day.'

I took one step—and I found it
  Quite easy, indeed, to take;
And the burden slid from my shoulders;
  And my heart that was ready to break
Gave thanks that my eyes were opened;
  And my shoulders were eased of their load,
As I saw, step by step, I was strengthened,
  To walk on the roughest road!"
  —Author Unknown

The birds without barn
Or storehouse are fed,
From them let us learn
To trust for our bread:
His saints, what is fitting,
Shall ne'er be denied,
So long as 'tis written,
The Lord will provide.

We may, like the ships,
By tempest be tossed
On perilous deeps,
But cannot be lost.
Though Satan enrages
The wind and the tide,
The promise engages,
The Lord will provide.

His call we obey
Like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way,
But faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers
We have a good Guide,
And trust in all dangers,
The Lord will provide.

When Satan appears
To stop up our path,
And fill us with fears,
We triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us,
Though oft he has tried,
This heart–cheering promise,
The Lord will provide.

He tells us we're weak,
Our hope is in vain,
The good that we seek
We ne'er shall obtain,
But when such suggestions
Our spirits have plied,
This answers all questions,
The Lord will provide.

No strength of our own,
Or goodness we claim,
Yet since we have known
The Savior's great name;
In this our strong tower
For safety we hide,
The Lord is our power,
The Lord will provide.

When life sinks apace
And death is in view,
This word of his grace
Shall comfort us through:
No fearing or doubting
With Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting,
The Lord will provide.
  —John Newton (1725-1807)
from Olney Hymns 1779,
in Three Books, Book I, Hymn 7

Down from the heavens it drops like a scroll,
Each day a bit will my Lord unroll,
Each day a mite of the veil will uplift;
Why should I stray? Why falter and drift?

Drifting—when God's at the helm to steer;
Drifting—when God lays the course so clear;
Drifting—when straight into port I might sail;
Drifting—when heaven lies just within hail.

Help me, my God, in the plan to believe;
Help me my fragment each day to receive.
Oh, that my will may with Thine have no strife!
For the God-yielded will finds the God-planned life.
  —James H. McConkey

Increase our faith! So weak are we,
  That we both may and must
Commit our very faith to Thee,
  Entrust to Thee our trust.

Increase our faith! for there is yet
  Much land to be possessed;
And by no other strength we get
  Our heritage of rest.

Increase our faith! On this broad shield
  'All' fiery darts be caught;
We must be victors in the field
  Where Thou for us hast fought.

Increase our faith, that we may claim
  Each starry promise sure,
And always triumph in Thy name,
  And to the end endure.

Increase our faith, O Lord, we pray,
  That we may not depart
From Thy commands, but all obey
  With free and loyal heart.

Increase our faith—increase it still—
  From heavenward hour to hour,
And in us gloriously 'fulfil
  The work of faith with power.'

Increase our faith, that never dim
  Or tembling it may be,
Crowned with the 'perfect peace' of him
  'Whose mind is stayed on Thee.'

Increase our faith, for Thou hast prayed
  That it should never fail;
Our stedfast anchorage is made
  With Thee within the veil.

Increase our faith, that unto Thee
  More fruit may still abound;
That it may grow "exceedingly,"
  And to Thy praise be found.

Increase our faith, O Saviour dear,
  By Thy sweet sovereign grace,
Till, changing faith for vision clear,
  We see Thee face to face!
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
  from Loyal Responses... [1886?].

Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a tear-drop, and never a moan,
Never a danger but there, on the throne,
Moment by moment, He thinks of His own.

Never a weakness that He doth not feel;
Never a sickness that He cannot heal,
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus, my Saviour, abides with me still.
  —Daniel W. Whittle (1840-1901)

Refrain:
All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!

No other friend so swift to help you,
No other friend so quick to hear,
No other place to leave your burden,
No other one to hear your prayer.

Come then at once; delay no longer!
Heed His entreaty kind and sweet,
You need not fear a disappointment;
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.
  —Edward H. Joy (1871-1949)

By nature and by practice far,
How very far from God!
Yet now by grace brought nigh to Him
Through faith in Jesus' blood.

So near, so very near to God,
I cannot nearer be;
For in the person of His Son,
I am as near as He.

So dear, so very dear to God,
More dear I cannot be;
The love wherewith He loves the Son,
Such is His love to me!
  —Catesby Paget?

Once 'twas painful trying,
Now it's perfect trust;
Once a half salvation,
Now the uttermost;
Once 'twas busy planning,
Now it's trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring,
Now He has the care.

Once I hoped in Jesus,
Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying,
Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited,
Now His coming hail,
And my hopes are anchored
Safe within the veil.
  —Author Unknown

And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

He never asks His child to take
  One step along the way,
But that He goeth on before
  To guide them day by day.

He never puts upon His child
  A burden hard to bear,
But that He always promises
  He will the burden share.

He knows the subtle weapon, fear,
  That Satan seeks to wield.
But to His child. He promises,
  "Fear not, I am thy shield."

When God called Abram out of Ur,
  And Abraham obeyed,
God promised strength and guidance,
  And He said, "Be not afraid."

To Isaac, thus, God reassured
  And then to Jacob too;
"As I was with your father,
  Will surely be with you."

To Joseph, and to Moses,
  Joshua, and countless more;
The Lord, who marked their pathway
  Faithfully went on before.

And so, He's just the same today,
  Who has thy pathway planned;
"Fear not," He goeth on before,
  And He will hold thy hand.

"Fear not," for He is with thee, then
  To strengthen, bless, and cheer;
No power on earth can harm thee, with
  His blessed presence near.

Whate'er thy task, thy path, thy lot.
  May this thy comfort be;
The Lord whose Word can never fail,
  "Will surely be with thee."
  —Author unknown

It was only a tract in the cottage, left with a friendly smile;
But the woman's face grew brighter, as she bent to her daily toil;
And the leaflet given so kindly was placed with care away,
To read in the quiet evening at the close of the busy day.

Only a kind word spoken of the home and the rest above,
Of the wonderful patience and mercy, and the gift of an infinite love;
And the man, so hard and callous, heard of this grace so free,
And felt with a new emotion, then surely He cares for me.

Only a short little visit to the weary one, sick and lone,
To smooth the ruffled pillow, and to speak in a gentle tone;
And the sufferer grew more quiet at the sound of a soothing prayer
For the light of heaven came gleaming through the shadows settling there.

Only the work of an hour, one short little hour a week;
Not very long for labor, not many words to speak;
But the angel of mercy is passing, with the caller, from door to door,
And the fruits of the heavenly mission remain for evermore.

Only one life for service, one talent to lay at His feet,
And efforts and prayers are needed, and workers in every street:
For eyes are grown dim and heavy, which a smile of love would light,
And some are far from the Master, and perishing in the night.

It was only a tract in the cottage, but its message was clear and plain;
And the voice of Jesus was calling, and He did not call in vain;
And one more sheaf was gathered, another soul was won—
It was but a little service, but the Lord pronounced "Well done."
  —E. M. D. B.

Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13

Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34

Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the FORGIVENESS of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7

And Jesus made answer, "I say unto thee"
  That just seven times will not do;
But seven times seventy answer his plea,—
  Forgive him as I forgave you.

Oh! list to the Lord's loving voice from the cross,
  When He hung there in agony too:
"Oh! Father, forgive them,"—such mercy and grace!
  "Forgive, they know not what they do.

In the midst of their buffeting, scorning, and jeers,
  Rejected, despised, and alone!
This marvelous love of our Saviour appears,
  "Forgive them the wrong they have done."

Such love and forgiveness unspeakable is,
  It can never be measured or known;
And we marvel at this great example of His,
  Where such love unto sinners was shown.

Oh! seven times seventy never would tell
  The debt that my Lord forgave me;
When He rescued my soul from the portals of Hell,
  Bought my pardon on Calvary's tree.

My sins which outnumbered the sands of the sea,
  In His body, He willingly bore.
The vast debt is cancelled,—my conscience is free,
  They're remembered by Him, nevermore.

He freely forgave all,—He's blotted them out.
  They are cast in the depths of the sea:
His Word had removed every fear, every doubt,
  And peace, He has given to me.

If we who have tasted such limitless grace,
  This spirit could show to another;
Remembering Jesus, who died in our place,
  And willingly pardon our brother.

'Twould glorify God in our walk here below,
  'Tis a thing He desires of us too,
To try in some measure this spirit to show,—
  "Forgive them, as Christ forgave you."
  —Author unknown

Beneath the blood-stained lintel I with my children stand;
A messenger of judgment is passing through the land;
There is no other refuge from the destroyer's face—
Beneath the blood-stained lintel shall be our hiding place.

The Lamb of God has suffered, our sins and griefs He bore;
By faith the blood is sprinkled above our dwelling's door.
The Lord, Who judges righteously, has given that sacred sign:
Tonight the blood-stained lintel shall shelter me and mine.

My Saviour, for my dear ones I claim Thy promise true;
The Lamb is "for the household"—the children's Saviour too.
On earth the little children once felt Thy touch divine;
Beneath the blood-stained lintel Thy blessing give to mine.

O Thou Who gave them, guard them—those wayward little feet,
The wilderness before them, the ills of life to meet.
My mother-love is helpless, I trust them to Thy care!
Beneath the blood-stained lintel—my place is ever there.

The faith I rest upon Thee, Thou wilt not disappoint;
With wisdom, Lord, to train them, my shrinking heart anoint.
With all my children, Father, I then shall see Thy face—
Under the blood-stained lintel—the token of Thy grace.

O, wonderful Redeemer, Who suffered for our sake,
When o'er the guilty nations the judgment-storm shall break.
With joy from that safe shelter shall we then meet Thine eye,
Beneath the blood-stained lintel, my children, Lord, and I.
  —Author unknown

Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:4

In Thy presence is FULLNESS OF JOY. Psalm 16:11

The Saviour so loveth His people,
  So beareth their cause on His heart.
He longs that they ever be happy,
  That fullness of joy be their part.

His marvelous love so abounding,
  The richest and best would bestow,
He wants nothing less for His people,
  Than joy in its fullness we know.

The enemy ever would rob us,
  Our joy and communion would mar,
But Jesus restores in communion
  His redeemed ones, He intercedes for.

He would not have us careful or worried,
  Or troubled by fears that abound,
But live in a realm of enjoyment,
  Where peace and contentment are found.

His blessings He gives in abundance.
  His goodness doth e'er overflow,
His mercies are new every morning.
  His joy He would ever bestow.

The Father desires for His children.
  The richest of blessings and best.
His love would bestow in rich fullness,
  His joy and His comfort and rest.
  —Author unknown

My soul shall be JOYFUL IN THE LORD. Psalm 35:9

Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy Name be JOYFUL IN THEE. Psalm 5:11

Wonderful, wonderful story!
  Wonderful depth of love!
Laying aside His glory,
  Leaving the courts above;
Jesus, the Man of sorrows,
  Homeless and friendless, He,
Wounded — so cruelly wounded, —
  Bruised — and broken — for me.

Fiercely the storm sweeps round Him!
  Darkly the shadows fall;
Wrath, and anger, and judgment, —
  Jesus — bearing it all;
Draining the cup of anguish,
  Dying on Calv'ry's tree:
Wondrous plan of redemption: —
  Jesus — dying — for me!
  —Author unknown

I knelt before a borrowed tomb—
In grief I wondered why
The Son of God — God's only Son
Would come to earth — to die.

I stand before an empty tomb—
In rapture see the grave,
Once sealed by Death, now broken by Life
Christ lives again to save!

I wonder at Christ's sacrifice
In love He took my wrong.
Because of all He's done for me,
I'll praise Him with my song!
  —Jennfier R. Leaf

THERE'S nobody knows but the Saviour!
  There's nobody else understands
The sorrow, and travail, and anguish,—
  The burden on heart, and on hands!
But Jesus knows just all about it,
  So you roll the weight upon Him,
And leave it there, safe in His keeping,
  And prove the great joy it will bring.

There's nobody knows but the Saviour
  How tired and discouraged you get;
But though you pass through the deep waters.
  He surely abides with you yet.
Though waves may mount high in their fury,
  Remember they'll not overflow;
The tide is held fast in His keeping.
  Thus far, and no farther to go.

There's nobody knows but the Saviour!
  So you commit all to His care:
Believe that He's able to help you—
  Has promised your burden to bear.
He knows when the cross is too heavy,
  He bore it for you long ago.
He'll carry your care on His shoulder,
  If closely beside Him you go.

There's nobody knows but the Saviour
  When strength is beginning to fail;
When loved ones pass over the border.
  And you drawing nearer the vale:
But glorious day-break is coming,
  The shadows will soon flee away,
We look for a country far better,
  A land of uncloudable day!
  —Author unknown

His holy fingers made the bough,
  Which grew the thorns that crowned His brow.
The nails that pierced His hands, were mined
  In secret places He designed.

He made the forest whence there sprung
  The tree on which His body hung,
He died upon a cross of wood.
  Yet made the hill on which it stood.

The sky that darkened o'er His head,
  By Him, above the earth was spread,
The sun that hid from Him its face,
  By His decree was poised in space.

The spear which spilled His precious blood.
  Was tempered in the fires of God,
The grave in which His form was laid,
  Was hewn in rocks His hands had made.

The throne on which He now appears,
  Was His from everlasting years,
But a new glory crowns His brow,
  And every knee to Him shall bow.

Then to Him, sinner, bow e'en now,
  At that blest name of Jesus bow;
E'en though your sin and guilt is great,
  He with a pardon now does wait.
  —Author unknown

Strangers then to God we lived,
  Filled with enmity and fear;
Souls from death He has reprieved,
  Love revealed and brought us near.

Now we see in Christ's acceptance
  But the measure of our own;
Him who lay beneath our sentence,
  Seated high upon the throne.

Quickened, raised, and in Him seated;
  We a full deliverance know;
Every foe has been defeated,
  Every enemy laid low.

Now we have a life in union
  With the risen life above;
Now we drink in sweet communion
  Some rich foretaste of His love.

Soon, O Lord, in brightest glory,
All its vastness we'll explore;
Soon we'll cast our crowns before Thee,
Whilst we worship and adore.
  —George W. Frazer (1840-1896)

Refrain:
Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me,
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine,
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine;
That He should extend His great love unto such as I;
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no! I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.
  —Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

Refain:
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
  None other name for me!
There's love and life and lasting joy,
  Christ Jesus, found in Thee.

I sighed for rest and happiness,
  I yearned for them, not Thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by,
  His love laid hold on me.

I tried the broken cisterns, ah!
  But how the waters failed;
Even as I stooped to drink they fled,
  And mocked me as I wailed.

The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
  But never wept for Thee,
Till grace the sightless eyes received,
  Thy loveliness to see.
  —Author unknown

Refain:
O the height and depth of mercy!
  O the length and breadth of love!
O the fullness of redemption,
  Pledge of endless life above!

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
  Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Saviour watching o'er me,
  I can sing though billows roll.

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
  Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
  Light will cheer me all the while.

Take the world, but give me Jesus;
  In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
  Face to face my Lord I see.
  —Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

I am trusting Thee for pardon;
  At Thy feet I bow,
For Thy grace and tender mercy
  Trusting now.

I am trusting Thee for cleansing
  In the crimson flood;
Trusting Thee to make me holy
  By Thy blood.

I am trusting Thee to guide me;
  Thou alone shalt lead!
Every day and hour supplying
  All my need.

I am trusting Thee for power;
  Thine can never fail!
Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me,
  Must prevail.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus;
  Never let me fall!
I am trusting Thee for ever.
  And for all.
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
  from Loyal Responses... [1886?].

"Not know my trespasses forgiven
  Until I meet Him in the air?
Not have that I shall get to heaven
  Until I wake and find me there!

"Not know my state till on my brow
  Beams the celestial diadem?
Why, surely, all the world will know
  That I'm a pardoned sinner then.

"Must clouds and darkness veil my brow
  Until I dwell with saints in light?
And must I walk in darkness now
  Because I cannot walk by sight?

"Shall I but then begin to say,
  'Father, Thine every word is true,'
And cast my doubts and fears away
  When all the world will own it too?

"Is this the way to treat the God
  Who bids me trust and love Him now?
Is this the way to use the Word
  Given to guide me here below?

"How can I forth to sinners go,
  And tell of grace so rich and free,
If all the while I do not know
  Whether that grace has smiled on me?

"How can it be my joy to dwell
  On the rich power of Jesus' blood,
If all the while I cannot tell
  That it has sealed my peace with God?

"How can I be like Christ below,
  How like my Lord in witness shine,
Unless with conscious joy I know
  His Father and His God as mine?

"O, crush this cruel unbelief!
  These needless, shameful doubts remove,
And suffer me no more to grieve
  The God whom I do really love."
  —Author unknown

Sing forth the honor of His Name. Psalm 66:2

If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and shalt honor HIM, not finding thine own pleasure, nor doing thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord. Isaiah 58:13, 14

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9, 10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. Revelation 1:10

To honor Him in everything,
  His Word, His Name, His Day,
With blessings showered abundantly
  He surely will repay.

By "Holding forth the Word of life"
  That ever shall endure,
Which tells of His redeeming love,
  Unchangeable and pure.

"Sing forth the honor of His Name"
  Who left His throne on high,
And to this world a ransom came,
  For us to bleed and die.

To honor with thy substance too
  By giving to the Lord,
Will meet with richest blessing, and
  Will bring a sure reward.

The Lord delights to honor them
  That will His Name confess,
And all who choose to put Him first,  
The Lord will surely bless.
  —Author unknown

Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree. 1 Peter 2:24

But my heart is arrested and humbled
By that scene upon Calvary's tree,
Where Jesus so willingly suffered
The burden of sin there for me.

'Twas not for Himself He need suffer,
He was holy, and righteous, and pure,
But for sinners He loved so divinely—
'Twas their burden He chose to endure.

My burden of sin was so heavy.
It ne'er could be cancelled with God,
But Jesus bore all of the judgment—
The cost was His own precious blood.

And so, when in love He beseeches
The burden of others we share.
Just think of the burden He suffered—
None other with that could compare.

For there's never the care of another.
Or trial to share now we see,
That in any way ever could equal
The burden my Lord bore for me.
  —Author unknown

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Consider how great things He hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24

My meditation of Him shall be sweet. Psalm 104:34

O! think of Him leaving the glory
That He had with the Father above,
To tell to our hearts that sweet story
Of infinite, marvelous love.

Consider His meekness and patience,
His life of dependence and trust,
Committing His path to the Father,
Believing Him righteous and just.

Consider His wilderness testing,
When tempted by Satan, and tried,—
He wisely replied, "It is written"—
God's Word was His refuge and guide.

Consider Him then in the garden,
In agony, anguish and pain,
Submitting His will to the Father's
"Not My will, but Thine—be done."

Consider His willing obedience
Yea, e'en to His death on the cross,
When He laid down His life as a ransom,
Consider,—How great was the cost!

Consider Him now in the glory
Interceding and pleading for you,
Lest ye become faint and discouraged,
Remember, He's faithful and true.

Consider the way He has led you
This Comforter, Shepherd and friend,
Today, yesterday and forever
The same He will be to the end.

Lest ye become weary and burdened
May your heart of His love be assured,
As you ponder His pathway of blessing
And what grief for our sakes He endured.

Consider what joy is before you,
The prospect of seeing His face,
To be with Him and like Him forever,
And learn more of His riches of grace.
  —Author unknown

"Oh, my son, but you're too little
  Wait until you older grow,
Bigger folks,'tis true, do need Him,
  But little folks are safe you know."

Said a father to his laddie,
  As a storm was coming on,
"Are the sheep all safely sheltered,
  Safe within the fold, my son?"

"All the big ones are, my father,
  But the lambs, I let them go.
For I didn't think it mattered.
  Little ones are safe you know."

Oh, my brother! Oh, my sister!
  Have you too, made this mistake?
Little hearts that now are yielding,
  May be hardened then—too late.

E'er the evil days come nigh them,
  "Let the children come to Me.
And forbid them not," said Jesus,
  "For of such My kingdom be."
  —Author unknown

I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep John 10:11

I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. John 10:28

Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Lo, I am with you alway." Matthew 28:20

"Hitherto" Thy many mercies
  Have encompassed every day,
And we have Thy precious promise
  Thou wilt be with us alway.

"Never leave thee nor forsake thee,"
  "Surely, I will be with thee,"
Promise of Thy blessed presence,
  Through each New Year still to be.

O, what peace and joy in knowing
  Thou art ever by our side,
And Thy loving Hand of wisdom
  Will forever be our Guide.

And what blessed re-assurance
  That Thy mighty arm of power,
That same power that made the heavens,
  Guards and keeps us every hour.

What a merciful Redeemer!
  What a wondrous Saviour, too!
What a gracious, loving Shepherd
  Who has led us "Hitherto."

Could we ever doubt Thy goodness?
  Could we doubt Thy loving care?
No! Thy matchless love and mercy
  Will be with us everywhere.

And Thy love and goodness to us
  Are beyond all human thought,
For Thou lovest without measure,
  Thine, Thy blood so dearly bought.

Entering another New Year,
  Pausing, we would contemplate
All Thy love's accomplished for us,
  All Thy mercies, O so great!

And we praise Thee for assurance.
  Who has led us "Hitherto"
That Thy presence will go with us,
  Every day the New Year through.
  —Author unknown

Certainly I will be with thee. Exodus 3:12

And error comes in such disguise—
  Smooth-tongued and circumspect—
That none but truth-enlightened eyes
  The monster can detect!

And Fair profession, hand in hand
  With evil, stalks abroad
But to deceive. Oh! who can stand,
  Save those who trust in God?

Be much in prayer, 'mid all thy joys,
  So shall their depths increase;
For lack of watchfulness alloys
  The very sweetest peace.

What power to stand is gained by saints
  Who love to "watch and pray"
And who escapes the desert taints
  In this defiling day?

Be much in prayer for labouring ones,
  Who in the Master's name,
And with the Master's message, run,
  His mercy to proclaim.

The harvest's great, the workmen few,
  And naught of time to spare;
Iniquity increases, too—
  Remember this in prayer.
  —Author unknown

The earthen vessel's broken,
The Treasure now has flown;
The Lord hath taken back again
What is by right His own.
But when He takes what most we store,
It is that He may give thee more.

Thou wouldst have gladly kept him
A little longer here,
To soothe, and nurse, and cherish
And make his wants thy care;
But He, who doeth what is best
Hath called him to Himself to rest.

As member of one body
In sympathy we weep—
And yet rejoice—because we know
In Jesus he doth sleep.
For all his pain and suffering's o'er
And joy his portion evermore.

'Tis not "Goodbye", beloved,
'Tis only just "Farewell."
A little while—a 'moment,"
We too with Christ shall dwell;
And so we dry the falling tear,
Because we know the Lord is near.

O, may the God of Comfort
His richest grace impart!
Himself fill up the aching void,
Bind up thy broken heart;
And give thee now to look above
And rest in His unchanging love.
  —L. W.

When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When the praise of heav'n I hear,
Loud as thunder to the ear,
Loud as many water's noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, zhow much I owe.

Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make Thy Spirit's help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
  —Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843)

Chosen in Christ e'er the world had foundation,
  A child of the Father predestined to be;
Now brought into blessing, to taste in its fulness
  The depth of that love which is flowing to thee.

Holy and blameless, ah! this is thy calling
  Before Him in love, His joy and delight,
For in the Beloved He ever beholds thee
  All perfect and comely, and meet for His sight.

Accepted in Him, oh, the grace and the glory,
  May praises for ever unhinderedly flow
To God and the Father of Him who redeem'd thee,
  And caused thee His riches of grace thus to know.

Seated together in Christ, in the heavenlies,
  How perfect the standing He's given to thee,
His place, and His love thy present blest portion,
  And the Earnest of glory where soon thou shalt be.

With all His redeem'd ones through ages eternal,
  To the praise of His glory for ever to be,
When He shows out in fulness, His grace and His kindness:
  Which He has made known through His SON unto thee.
  —Author unknown

Christian, when thy way seems darkest.
  And thine eyes with tears are dim,
Straight to God thy Father hastening.
  Tell thy sorrows unto Him.
Nor to human ear confiding
  Thy sad tale of grief and care.
But on God thy Father resting,
  Pour out all thy sorrows there.

All thy griefs by Him are ordered,
  Needful is each one for thee;
All thy tears by Him are counted,
  One too much there cannot be!
And if, while they fall so quickly,
  Thou canst own His love aright.
Then each bitter tear of anguish
  Precious is in Jesus' sight.

Far too well thy Saviour loves thee,
  To allow thy life to be
One long calm, unbroken summer,
  One unruffled stormless sea.
He would have thee fondly nestling,
  Closer to His loving breast;
He would have that world seem brighter
  Where alone is perfect rest.

Though His wise and loving purpose,
  Clearly now thou canst not see.
Still believe, with faith unshaken,
  All shall work for good to thee.
Therefore when thy way seems darkest,
  And thine eyes with tears are dim.
Straight to God thy Father hastening
  Tell thy sorrows unto Him.
  —Author unknown

'Twas in the broad "king's highway."
  Near a century ago,
That a preacher stood, though of noble blood,
  Telling the fallen and low
Of a Saviour's love and a home above,
  And a peace that they all might know.

All crowded around to listen;
  And they wept at the wondrous love
That could wash their sin, and receive them in
  them in His spotless mansion above;
While slow through the crowd, a lady proud
  In her gilded chariot drove.

"Make room," cried the haughty outrider,
  "You are closing the king's highway;
My lady is late, and their Majesties wait;
  Give way there, good people, I pray."
The preacher heard, and his soul was stirred,
  And he cried to the rider, "Nay."

His eye like the lightning flashes;
  His voice like a trumpet rings—
"Your grand fete-days, and your fashions and ways
  Are all but perishing things.
'Tis the king's highway, but I hold it today
  In the name of the King of kings."

Then—bending his gaze on the lady,
  And marking her soft eye fall—
"And now in His name, a sale I proclaim,
  And bids for this fair lady call.
Who will purchase the whole—her body and soul,
  Coronet, jewels and all?

I see already three bidders—
  The World steps up as the first;
'I will give her my treasures and all the pleasures
  For which my votaries thirst;
She shall dance each day, more joyous and gay
  With a quiet grave at the worst.'

But out speaks the Devil boldly—
  'The kingdoms of earth are mine.
Fair lady, thy name, with an envied fame,
  On their brightest tablets shall shine;
Only give me thy soul, and I'll give thee the whole.
  Their glory and wealth to be thine.'

And pray, what hast Thou to offer,
  Thou Man of Sorrows, unknown?
And He gently said, 'My blood I have shed,
  To purchase her for Mine own.
To conquer the grave, and her soul to save,
  I bore the judgment alone.

I will give her My cross of suffering,
  My cup of sorrow to share;
But with endless love, in My home above,
  All shall be righted there;
She shall walk in light in a robe of white,
  And a radiant crown shall wear.'

Thou hast heard the terms, fair lady,
  That each hath offered for thee.
Which wilt thou choose, and which wilt thou lose,
  This life, or the life to be?
The fable was mine, but the choice is yet thine
  Sweet lady! which of the three?"

Nearer the stand of the preacher
  The gilded chariot stole.
And each head was bowed, as over the crowd
  The thundering accents roll;
And every word, as the lady heard,
  Burned in her very soul.

"Pardon, good people," she whispered,
  As she rose from her cushioned seat.
Full well, they say, as the crowd made way,
  You could hear her pulses beat;
And each head was bare, as the lady fair
  Knelt at the preacher's feet.

She took from her hands the jewels,
  The coronet from her brow;
"Lord Jesus," she said, as she bowed her head,
  "The highest bidder art Thou;
Thou gav'st for my sake Thy life, and I take
  Thy offer—and take it now.

I know the world and her pleasures,
  At best they weary and cloy;
And the Tempter is bold, but his honors and gold
  Prove ever a fatal decoy;
I long for Thy rest—Thy bid is the best;
  Lord, I accept it with joy!

Give me Thy cup of suffering,
  Welcome earth's sorrow and loss.
Let my portion be, to win souls to Thee.
  Perish earth's glittering dross!
I gladly lay down her coveted crown.
  Saviour, to take up Thy cross."

"Amen!" said the noble preacher;
  And the people wept aloud.
Years have rolled on—and they have all gone
  Who formed that awe-struck crowd.
Lady and throng have been swept along
  On the wind, like a morning cloud.

But the Saviour has claimed His purchase,
  And around His radiant seat,
A mightier throng, in an endless song,
  His praises soon will repeat;
And a form more fair, while bending there,
  Will lay her crown at His feet.

So, now, in eternal glory,
  She rests from her cross and care;
But her spirit above, with a longing love,
  Seems calling on you to share
Her endless reward, in the joy of her Lord,
  Oh! will you not answer her—there?
  —An Incident in the Life of Rowland Hill

Another year of leaning
  Upon Thy loving breast,
Of ever-deepening trustfulness,
  Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies,
  Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
  In the shining of Thy face.

Another year of progress,
  Another year of praise;
Another year of proving
  Thy presence "all the days."

Another year of service,
  Of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training
  For holier work above.

Another year is dawning,
  Dear Master, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven,
  Another year for Thee!
  —Frances R. Havergal (1836-1879)

There's a rest for little children,
Above the bright blue sky,
For those who love the Saviour,
And "Abba, Father," cry;
A rest from every turmoil,
From sin and danger free,
Where every little pilgrim
Shall rest eternally.

There's a home for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory,—
A home of peace and joy.
No home on earth is like it,
Nor can with it compare,
For every one is happy,
Nor could be happier there.
  —Albert Midland (1825-1909)

There is a blessed home, beyond night's glittering sky,
Where neither griefs, nor pain, nor woes, nor death shall e'er come nigh.
There is a blessed home, where every prayer and tear
Will find its record written full, in answer bright and clear.

There is a blessed home, where prayer is turn'd to praise;
When in the light of Jesus' love we'll rest for endless days.
There is a blessed home, where God our Father dwells;
And every child who enters there, the note of glory swells.

Within that blessed home, around our Father's board,
The endless feast will then be spread of hidden manna stored.
Within that blessed home His "new name" we shall bear,
Inscribed upon the fair "white stone," His special love to share.