460. Let others fondly seek the vain reward, power, The glittering baubles of an earthly hour, Thy crown with brighter gems than theirs shall shine; Earth is their kingdom, heaven above is thine. 461. Live near to God in this world, if thou wouldst dwell with him in that which is to come. 462. O'er the dusty bed reclining Where thine eyes are seal'd in sleep, How shall I repress repining? How shall I forbear to weep? Guardian, guide, and kind protector, 463. What are power and dominion, when the sword and the sceptre will be hidden by the gloom of and the diadem covered with the dust the grave, of death? 464. The battle-blast was loudly blown, And standards wav'd in air; The bloody waves of war ran high; I fiercely fought; my hand was red Oppress'd with wounds, I linger'd long, A Saviour crucified. I learn'd to hate thee, cruel war: 465. Through youth and honour'd age his life was spent In deeds of love; and death was only sent 466. We could not raise a monument commensurate to his merit, we have therefore erected one in agreement with his modesty. 467. O what is the sum of earthly things? If thou art alone, then read my stone, And ponder awhile on death. Prepare for thine end as thou look'st on the tomb If thou wouldst salvation see, For the fearful fall that will come to all Is certain to come to thee. Sickness will come, and the hour will come Thy friend's last sigh, and the glance of his eye, Sorrow will come, and pain will come, And steal thy lingering breath; And darkness profound will gather around, Thy shroud will come, and thy coffin will come, Thy soul with delight, or in blackest night, 468. Though the root of the oak may delve deep in the ground, Yet the leaf-laden branch will exultingly rise; Though the dust of our friend in the tomb may be found, Yet his spirit triumphantly soars in the skies. 469. He liv'd in faith; and, trusting in his God, Through rough and thorny paths he meekly trod: He died in peace; and, through redeeming grace, The heaven of heavens is now his dwelling-place. 470. How soon are they forgotten whom the grave has covered! 471. With erring heart I went astray In paths of sin, and wander'd wide, But still the voice was heard around, Then Justice cross'd my path, and stood Come forth, thou traitor to thy God!” And faintly answer'd, "Jesus died." E'en as I faulter'd forth the word, He strove his blushing face to hide, And sheath'd in haste his blood-stain'd sword, And then I shouted, “Jesus died!” 472. She earnestly sought and found grace with Jesus, and was happy in the conviction that she should soon see Him face to face in whom she believed, and rejoiced with joy unspeakable. |