Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul Part 132

We would see Jesus when our fading vision, Lost to the consciousness of earth and sky, Has only insight for the far elysian; We would see Jesus when we come to die!

--Margaret J. Preston.

ALL THINGS IN JESUS

Jesus, the calm that fills my breast, No other heart than thine can give; This peace unstirred, this joy of rest, None but thy loved ones can receive.

My weary soul has found a charm That turns to blessedness my woe; Within the shelter of thine arm I rest secure from storm and foe.

In desert wastes I feel no dread, Fearless I walk the trackless sea; I care not where my way is led, Since all my life is life with thee.

O Christ, through changeful years my Guide, My Comforter in sorrow's night, My Friend, when friendless--still abide, My Lord, my Counsellor, my Light.

My time, my powers, I give to thee; My inmost soul 'tis thine to move; I wait for thy eternity, I wait in peace, in praise, in love.

--Frank Mason North.

EVERYWHERE WITH JESUS

Everywhere with Jesus; O how sweet the thought!

Filling all my soul with joy, Deep with comfort fraught.

Never absent far from him, Always at his side; Everywhere with Jesus, Trusting him to guide.

Everywhere with Jesus; For no place can be Where I may not find him near, Very near to me; Closer than the flesh I wear-- In my inmost heart-- Everywhere with Jesus; We shall never part.

Everywhere with Jesus; Do whate'er I may, Work, or talk, or walk abroad, Study, preach, or pray, Still I find him, full of love, Ready ere I call.

Everywhere with Jesus; He's my all in all.

Everywhere with Jesus; Let the world a.s.sail, Naught can shake my sure repose.

He will never fail.

I am weak, but he is strong, Mighty to defend; Everywhere with Jesus, Safe with such a friend.

Everywhere with Jesus; Careful should I be Lest some secret thought of guile His pure eye may see.

Holy, harmless, undefiled, He no sin can know; Everywhere with Jesus Spotless I may go.

Everywhere with Jesus Would that all might say; Happy then beyond compare, Glad by night and day, All would taste of joy sublime, Perfect peace and rest: Everywhere with Jesus, Nothing could molest.

--James Mudge.

THE DEAREST FRIEND

Do not I love thee, O my Lord?

Then let me nothing love; Dead be my heart to every joy, When Jesus cannot move.

Is not thy name melodious still To mine attentive ear?

Doth not each pulse with pleasure bound My Saviour's voice to hear?

Hast thou a lamb in all thy flock I would disdain to feed?

Hast thou a foe before whose face I fear thy cause to plead?

Would not mine ardent spirit vie With angels round the throne To execute thy sacred will, And make thy glory known?

Thou know'st I love thee, dearest Lord, But O I long to soar Far from the sphere of mortal joys, And learn to love thee more.

--Philip Doddridge.

As by the light of opening day The stars are all concealed, So earthly pleasures fade away When Jesus is revealed.

Creatures no more divide my choice; I bid them all depart: His name, his love, his gracious voice, Have fixed my roving heart.

--John Newton.

FAIREST LORD JESUS

Fairest Lord Jesus!

Ruler of all nature!

O thou of G.o.d and man the Son!

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thee, my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows, Fairer still the woodlands, Robed in the blooming garb of spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the suns.h.i.+ne, Fairer still the moonlight, And all the twinkling starry host; Jesus s.h.i.+nes brighter, Jesus s.h.i.+nes purer Than all the angels heaven can boast.

--From the German.

THE CALL OF JESUS

Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult Of our life's wild, restless sea, Day by day his sweet voice soundeth, Saying, Christian, follow me!

Jesus calls us from the wors.h.i.+p Of the vain world's golden store; From each idol that would keep us; Saying, Christian, love me more!

In our joys and in our sorrows, Days of toil and hours of ease, Still he calls, in cares and pleasures, Christian, love me more than these!

Jesus calls us! by thy mercies, Saviour, may we hear thy call; Give our hearts to thy obedience, Serve and love thee best of all.

--Cecil Frances Alexander.

If washed in Jesus' blood, Then bear his likeness too, And as you onward press Ask, What would Jesus do?

Be brave to do the right, And scorn to be untrue; When fear would whisper, Yield, Ask, What would Jesus do?