Heralds the year of Jubilee proclaim; Bow every knee at the Redeemer's name; O'er lands, with darkness, thraldom, guilt o'erspread, In light, joy, freedom, be the Spirit shed; Speak Thou the word; to Satan's power say " Cease," But to a world of pardon'd sinners, “Peace.” -Thus in thy grace, Lord God, Thyself make known; Then shall all tongues confess Thee God alone. THE STRANGER AND HIS FRIEND. "Ye have done it unto me. Matt. xxv. 40. A POOR wayfaring Man of grief Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He enter'd; not a word he spake ; Just perishing for want of bread; I gave him all; he bless'd it, brake, And ate, - but gave me part again; Mine was an Angel's portion then, That crust was manna to my taste. I spied him, where a fountain burst Clear from the rock; his strength was gone; The heedless water mock'd his thirst, He heard it, saw it hurrying on : I ran to raise the sufferer up; Thrice from the stream he drain'd my cup, Dipt, and return'd it running o'er ; I drank, and never thirsted more. 'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew A winter hurricane aloof; I heard his voice abroad, and flew To bid him welcome to my roof; I warm'd, I clothed, I cheer'd my guest, Then made the hearth my bed, and seem'd Stript, wounded, beaten, nigh to death, I roused his pulse, brought back his breath, Wine, oil, refreshment; he was heal'd; But from that hour forgot the smart, In prison I saw him next, condemn'd To meet a traitor's doom at morn; My friendship's utmost zeal to try, He ask'd, if I for him would die ; The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill, But the free spirit cried "I will." Then in a moment to my view, The tokens in his hands I knew, My Saviour stood before mine eyes: He spake; and my poor name He named ; "Of me thou hast not been ashamed: These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto Me." |