The book of sacred song . 316 THE BOOK OF SACRED SONG. Thou knowest all the past; how long and blindlyOn the dark mountains the lost sheep hadstrayd :How the good Shepherd followed, and how kindlv He bore it home, upon His shoulders laid,And healM the bleeding wounds, and soothd the pain,And brought back life and hope and strengthagain. Thou knowest all the present; each temptation,Each to;Isome duty, each foreboding fear; All to myself assignM of tribulation, Or to beloved ones, than self more dear; All pensive memories, as I journey on, Longings for vanished smiles and voices gone. Thou know
The book of sacred song . 316 THE BOOK OF SACRED SONG. Thou knowest all the past; how long and blindlyOn the dark mountains the lost sheep hadstrayd :How the good Shepherd followed, and how kindlv He bore it home, upon His shoulders laid,And healM the bleeding wounds, and soothd the pain,And brought back life and hope and strengthagain. Thou knowest all the present; each temptation,Each to;Isome duty, each foreboding fear; All to myself assignM of tribulation, Or to beloved ones, than self more dear; All pensive memories, as I journey on, Longings for vanished smiles and voices gone. Thou knowest all the future ; gleams of gladnessBy stormy clouds too quickly overcast, Hours of sweet fellowship and parting sadness,And the dark river to be crossed at last. O what could hope and confidence afford To tread that path, but this—Thou knowest, Lord ?. modern: anonymous. 317 UNTO YOU, O MENj I CALL/ ?OD calling yet! and shall I neverhearken,But still earths witcheries my spiritdarken ?This passing life, these passing joys, all flying,And still my soul in dreamy slumbers lying ! God calling yet! and I not yet arising,So long His loving, faithful voice despising,So falsely His unwearied care repaying,—He calls me still, and still I am delaying. God calling yet! loud at my door is knocking,And I my heart, my ear, still firmer locking,He still is ready, willing to receive me,Is waiting now, but, ah ! He soon may leave me. God calling yet! and I no answer giving;I dread His yoke, and am in bondage living;Too long I linger, but not yet forsaken,He calls me still; oh, my poor heart, awaken! Ah! yield Him all, all to His care confiding;Where but with Him are rest and peace abiding ?Unloose, unloose, break earthly bonds asunder,And let this spirit rise in soaring wonder! 318 THE BOOK OF SACRED SONG. God calling yet! I can no longer tarry,
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