Chapter I: Preface

If there be any distinctive peculiarity in this little volume, it is one that would naturally expose it to literary censure; the verses are very unequal, some of the hymns are avowedly written for the very poor. To admit rhymes for ragged children, needlewomen, and paupers into a book of sacred song, may—in the opinion of some critics—deprive it of all claim to the name of poetry. Yet I venture to hope that those who love to labour in God’s vineyard, will not be sorry to bear to their poorer brethren verses intended to meet their peculiar trials, and cheer them under their peculiar sorrows; while the subjects of many of the hymns are such as are of equal interest to the prince as to the peasant. Humbly I commend my little work to Him whose blessing can alone make it useful in strengthening the tempted, in cheering the sad, or in lifting up the hearts of the happy in joyful adoration and praise.

A. L. O. E.

CONTENTS

Page

HYMNS.
The Willing Sacrifice, 11
The Resurrection, 13
Hymn for the Communion, 15
The Beacon, 16
The Blossoming Rod, 18
Hymn for the Penitent Convict, 21
Hymn for the Blind, 23
The House not made with Hands, 25
Sexton’s Hymn, 27
The Second Advent, 29
Hopes that Abide, 31
Soldier’s Hymn, 32
Hymn for Night, 34
Song of Joy, 35
The Retrospect, 37
The Supplicant, 39
Weaver’s Hymn, 41
Emigrant’s Hymn, 43
Fishermen’s Hymn, 45
Teacher’s Hymn, 47
Workman’s Hymn, 49
Sempstress’s Hymn, 51
Ragged Boy’s Hymn, 53
Ragged Girl’s Hymn, 55
Policeman’s Hymn, 57
Pauper’s Hymn, 59
Postman’s Hymn, 61
Servant’s Hymn, 63
Miner’s Hymn, 65
Gardener’s Hymn, 67
Labourer’s Hymn, 69
Wife’s Hymn, 71
Hymn of Industry, 73
Social Hymn, 75
National Hymn, 77
Soldier’s Hymn, 79
The Wise Men from the East, 81
Song of Hope, 85
The Fearful Heart, 88
Conviction of Sin, 90
The Sacred Guest, 92
The Mourner, 95
The Christian Bond, 97
The Cure at Gethsemane, 100
Hymn for the Communion, 102
Hymn for the Dying, 104
Death is not Dreadful, 106
Never Forsaken, 109
Thy Father’s Friend, 111
Fear of God and Fear of Man, 113
The Sinners’ Portion, 115
Death-Bed Hymn, 117
Save One! 119
New Year’s Hymn, 121

POEMS.
The Indian Maid, 125
Blanche, 136
Pride, 149
A Dream of the Second Advent, 153

HYMNS.

I.
THE WILLING SACRIFICE.

The precious blood of Christ my Lord,
The Saviour all-divine,
Was shed to cleanse men’s souls from guilt;
That blood has flowed for mine!
But what return can sinners make
For love so great, so free?
All is too little, oh! my God,
To sacrifice to Thee.

If all that I possessed on earth,
Before thy feet were laid,
Light as the dust the gift would prove
In heaven’s balance weighed.
The costly treasures of the skies
Thou didst resign for me;
All is too little, oh! my God,
To sacrifice to Thee.

But Thou wilt not disdain a heart
That would Thy word obey,
That loves to own the mighty debt
It never hopes to pay.
For were each hair upon my head
A separate life to be,[1]
All were too little, oh! my God,
To sacrifice to Thee.

II.
THE RESURRECTION.

The Summer blossoms fast decay
Beneath the Autumn’s chilling breath,
And man is passing thus away,
Touched by the silent hand of Death.
Still fading—falling—day by day
The withered petals strew the plain,
They never more shall deck the spray—
But man shall rise again!

Behold the bare and leafless tree
Blushes in spring to beauty bright;
Where the dark root was buried—see
The eager floweret springs to light!
The sun his gentle influence shed
To break cold winter’s icy chain—
So God shall wake us from the dead,
We all shall rise again!

As beauteous day succeeds to night,
So glory dawns upon the grave—
Praise to the Sun of life and light,
Who lived to bless, and died to save!
We calmly gaze on life’s dark close,
The tomb shall not our forms retain—
E’en as our God and Saviour rose
His own shall rise again!

III.
HYMN FOR THE COMMUNION.

I do not dare, O holy Lord,
Approach Thy sacred shrine
Trusting in mine own righteousness,
For nought but sins are mine,
But in the merits of Thy Son,
The Saviour all-divine.

Unworthy as I own I am
Christ’s feast of love to share,
In His name hear my humble cry,
For His sake grant my prayer,
And let Thy mercy cleanse my soul,
And shed Thy Spirit there!

Oh, make me one with my dear Lord
In His appointed rite,
A branch of the Eternal Vine
Not fruitless in His sight;
His own on earth, His own in heaven
Through ages infinite!