Classic Poem

In earliest bloom of wedded life,
When young love blush'd its bliss to own,
The husband knelt beside his wife;
And, witness'd by the stars alone,
They hid within their hearts and pledged to heaven
The first faint fluttering hope which God had given.

Their prayer was heard; and at the font
The happy parents stood, and saw
The cross stamp'd on their infant's front,
And clasp'd again with loving awe
Their darling in a joy too great for words,
Now doubly theirs because he is the Lord's.

Years pass'd like dreams; and, reverent truth
Writ on his trustful thoughtful brow,
The lad in sunny prime of youth
Himself confirms the Christian's vow,
And answers to the holy benison,
" Yea, Lord, Thine own for ever: it is done. "

And from that hour a bidden guest
He hears and loves to hear the voice
Of Jesus, " Come to Me, and rest,
And make My easy yoke thy choice;
And ever to thy first allegiance true
Still in My feast of love thy strength renew. "

But often in his waking dreams,
And often in the hush of prayer,
A cry of thirst and hunger seems
To throb upon the troubled air,
The cry of thousands lying at our doors,
Or wafted by the winds from far-off shores:

And, mingling with that cry, the sweet
Low whisper of a heavenly word,
Which from above the mercy-seat
Breathes, " Who will go for Us? " is heard;
Though for a while the passionate reply
Is crush'd within him, " Send me: here am I. "

But lo, the still small voice, not once
Nor twice persisting, " Lovest Me? "
Wakes in his heart of hearts response,
" Thou knowest, Master, I love Thee, "
Till, like words graven on the soul in sleep,
The message thrills his bosom, " Feed My sheep. "

The sun has risen; and doubts and fears
Melt like the shades of night away,
As through the dewy mist of tears
Morn struggles to the perfect day:
Twice bless'd: his blessedness henceforth to bless:
The Spirit with his spirit answers, Yes.