K&gs&gs&s&as sgas&gi Lo^d responses 10. LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. SCA #2470 Haver gal , Frances Ridley, 1836-1879. Loyal responses 1 'l\ldl<>t>...< Section PREFATORY NOTE. A WORD of explanation. The little series of daily books, My King, Royal Com- mand?nents, Royal Bounty, and The Royal Invi- tation, appeared to need an answering and completing chord, And as these all aim, feebly enough, but earnestly, at calling atten- tion to the Royal utterances of our King, it seemed that Loyal Responses should follow them. May I be pardoned for asking my readers to accept all I have said in these little books in lieu of letters? For the endeavour to answer their most kindly meant and often veiy interesting communications is becoming a serious tax upon time and strength, and an increasing hindrance to doing other work. Should any of my friends wish that nothing __ 5 PRE FA TOR Y NO TE. previously seen in leaflet form had been in- cluded in this little book, they must pardon it for the sake of the known wishes of many others, who would be disappointed not to find here a few already familiar verses, such as the 'Consecration Hymn' and 'Trusting Jesus. ' As marginal references are not given in this as in the other books of the series, it might be a useful exercise for younger readers to supply them for themselves. For almost every line has been cither directly drawn from Holy Scripture, or, 'may be proved thereby. ' May not only our lips but our lives be filled with Loyal Responses to all the words of our King ! F. R. H. CONTEXTS. DAY 1. Consecration Hymn, 2. Set Apart, 3. The Secret of a Happy Day, 4. The Unfailing One, 5. On the Lord's Side, 6. True-hearted, . 7. Ry Thy Cross and Pas= 8. The Opened Fountain, 9. The Precious Blood of Jesus, 10. I Remember Thee, 11. Knowing, . 12. Trusting, . 13. Looking, . . 14. Shining, . 15. Growing, . 16. Resting, . 17. Filling, . iS. Increase our Faith, 19. ' Nobody knows but Jesus,' PACK 9 11 14 18 21 24 28 3i 34 37 40 43 45 47 5^ 54 56 58 61 CONTENTS. DAY PAGB 20. He is thy Life, •••••* 64 21. Enough, 66 22. All, 68 23. Only, 70 24. My Master, • . • • • . 72 25. Perfect Peace, •••••• 75 26. I am with thee, 77 27. Trust and Distrust, 80 28. Without carefulness, 82 29. Thy Reign, S3 30. Tried, Precious, Sure, • • • . 91 31. Just when Thou wilt, • . • 93 CONSECRATION HYMN First Day. Consecration Hgtmu 'Here we offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto Thee. , TAKE my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days ; Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet, and let them be Swift and ' beautiful ' for Thee. Take my voice, and let me sing Always, only, for my King. IO LOYAL RESPONSES. Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold ; Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use Every power as Thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it Thine ; It shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is Thine own ; It shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love ; my Lord, I pour At Thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee. J SET APART. Second Day. Set apart* 1 Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself. ' — Ps. iv. 3. SET apart for Jesus ! Is not this enough, Though the desert prospect Open wild and rough? Set apart for His delight, Chosen for His holy pleasure, Sealed to be His special treasure ! Could we choose a nobler joy? — and would we if we might ? 11. Set apart to serve Him, Ministers of light, Standing in His presence, Ready day or night ! 12 LOYAL RESPONSES. Chosen for the service blest, He would have us always willing, Like the angel host fulfilling Swiftly and rejoicingly each recognised behest. in. Set apart to praise Him, Set apart for this ! Have the blessed angels Any truer bliss ? Soft the prelude, though so clear ; Isolated tones are trembling ; But the chosen choir assembling, Soon shall sing together, while the universe shall hear. IV. Set apart to love Him, And His love to know ! Not to waste affection On a passing show. Called to give Him life and heart, Called to pour the hidden treasure, That none other claims to measure, Into His beloved hand 1 thrice blessed 'set apart ! ' SET APART. 13 Set apart for ever For Himself alone ! Now we see our calling, Gloriously shown. Owning, with no secret dread, This our holy separation, Now the crown of consecration Of the Lord our God shall rest upon our willing head ! * • Num. vi. 7. i 4 LOYAL RESPONSES. Third Day. &fje Swrtt of a &appg ©ag* 'The secret of the Lord is with them that fear IIim. , — Ps. xxv. 14. I. JUST to let thy Father do What He will ; Just to know that He is true, And be still. Just to follow hour by hour As He lcadcth ; Just to draw the moment's power As it nccdeth. Just to trust II im, this is all ! Then the day will surely be Peaceful, whatsoe'er befall, Bright and blessed, calm and free. THE SECRET OF A HAPPY DAY. 15 II. Just to let Him speak to thee Through His Word, Watching, that His voice may be Clearly heard. Just to tell Him everything As it rises, And at once to Him to bring All surprises. Just to listen, and to stay Where you cannot miss His voice. This is all ! and thus to-day, Communing, you shall rejoice. in. Just to ask Him what to do All the day, And to make you quick and true To obey. Just to know the needed grace He bestoweth, Every bar of time and place Overfloweth. Just to take thy orders straight From the Master's own command. Blessed day ! when thus we wait Always at our Sovereign's hand. 16 LOYAL RESPOXSES. rv. Just to recollect His love, Always true ; Always shining from above, Always new. Just to recognise its light, All-enfolding ; Just to claim its present might, upholding. Just to know it as thine own, That no power can take away. Is not this enough alone For the gladness of the day ? Just to trust, and yet to ask Guidance still ; Take the training or the task, As He will. Just to take the loss or gain, As He sends it ; Just to take the joy or pain, As He lends it. He who formed Thee for His praise I not miss the gracious aim ; So to-day and all thy days Shall be moulded for the same. THE SECRET OF A HAPPY DAY, 17 vr. Just to leave in His dear hand Little things, All we cannot understand, All that stings. Just to let Him take the care Sorely pressing, Finding all we let Him bear Changed to blessing. This is all ! and yet the way Marked by Him who loves thee best : Secret of a happy day, Secret of His promised rest. 18 LOYAL RESPONSES. Fourth Day. •He faileth not.'— Zeph. iii. 5. I. HE who hath led, will lead All through the wilderness ; He who hath fed, will feed ; He who hath blessed, will bless ; He who hath heard thy cry, Will never close His ear ; He who hath marked thy faintest sigh, Will not forget thy tear. He loveth always, faileth never ; So rest on Him, to-day, for ever 1 11. He who hath made thee whole Will heal thee day by day ; THE UNFAILING ONE. 19 He who hath spoken to thy soul Hath many things to say. He who hath gently taught Yet more will make thee know ; He who so wondrously hath wrought Yet greater things will show. He loveth always, faileth never ; So rest on Him, to-day, for ever ! in. He who hath made thee nigh Will draw thee nearer still ; He who hath given the first supply Will satisfy and fill. He who hath given thee grace Yet more and more will send ; He who hath set thee in the race Will speed thee to the end. He loveth always, faileth never ; So rest on Him, to-day, for ever ! IV. He who hath won thy heart Will keep it true and free ; He who hath shown thee what thou art Will show Himself to thee. 20 LOYAL RESPONSES. He who hath bid thee live, And made thy life His own, Life more abundantly will give, And keep it His alone. He loveth always, faileth never ; So rest on Him, to-day, for ever ! v. Then trust Him for to-day As thine unfailing Friend, And let Him lead thee all the way, Who loveth to the end. And let the morrow rest In His beloved hand ; His good is better than our best, As we shall understand, — If, trusting Him who faileth never, We rest on Him, to-day, for ever 1 ON THE LORD'S SIDE. 21 Fifth Day. ©it tije 3£aiVs Sptot. 1 TLine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse.'— 1 Chron. xii. 18. WHO is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King ? Who will be His helpers, Other lives to brinsr ? Who will leave the world's side ? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side ? Who for Him will go ? Response. By Thy call of mercy, By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side ; Saviour, we are Thine. 22 LOYAL RESPONSES. II. Not for weight of glory, Not for crown and palm, Enter we the army, Raise the warrior-psalm ; But for Love that claimeth Lives for whom He died ; He whom Jesus nameth Must be on His side. Response. By Thy love constraining, By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side ; Saviour, we are Thine. in. Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Not with gold or gem, But with Thine own life-blood, For Thy diadem. With Thy blessing filling Each who comes to Thee, Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free. Response. By Thy grand redemption, By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side ; Saviour, we are Thine. ON THE LORD'S SIDE, 23 IV. Fierce may be the conflict, Strong may be the foe, But the King's own army None can overthrow. Round His standard ranging, Victory is secure, For His truth unchanging Makes the triumph sure. Response. Joyfully enlisting By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side ; Saviour, we are Thine. v. Chosen to be soldiers In an alien land ; 1 Chosen, called, and faithful, For our Captain's band ; In the service royal Let us not grow cold ; Let us be right loyal, Noble, true, and bold. Response. Master, Thou wilt keep us, By Thy grace divine, Always on the Lord's side, Saviour, always Thine ! 24 LOYAL RESPONSES, Sixth Day. 3Truc4jcartrtf, 8Kfjole4jeartrtJ« i. TRUE - HEARTED, whole - hearted, faithful and loyal, King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be! Under Thy standard, exalted and royal, Strong in Thy strength, we will battle for Thee! ii. True-hearted, whole-hearted ! Fullest alle- giance Yielding henceforth to our glorious King ; Valiant endeavour and loving obedience Freely and joyously now would we bring. TR UE- HE A R TED, I VHOLE-1IEA R TED. 25 in. True-hearted ! Saviour, Thou know est our story Weak are the hearts that we lay at Thy feet. Sinful and treacherous ! yet, for Thy glory, Heal them, and cleanse them from sin and deceit. IV. Whole-hearted ! Saviour, beloved and glori- ous, Take Thy great power, and reign Thou alone, Over our wills and affections victorious, Freely surrendered, and wholly Thine own. v. ZT(7//"-hearted, y^fo-hcarted ! Heed we the warning ! Only the whole can be perfectly true ; Bring the whole offering, all timid thought scorning, True - hearted only if whole - hearted too. 26 LOYAL RESPONSES. VI. Half-hearted I Saviour, shall aught be with- holden, Giving Thee part, who hast given us all ? Blessings out-pouring, and promises golden Pledging, with never reserve or recall. VII. Half-hearted ! Master, shall any who know Thee Grudge Thee their lives, who hast laid down Thine own ? Nay ; we would offer the hearts that we owe Thee,— Live for Thy love and Thy glory alone. VIII. Sisters, dear sisters, the call is resounding, Will ye not echo the silver refrain. Mighty and sweet, and in gladness abound- ing,— ' True - hearted, whole - hearted ! ' ringing again ? IX. Jesus is with us, His rest is before us, Brightly His standard is waving above. TRUE-HEARTED, WHOLE-HEARTED, 27 Brothers, dear brothers, in gathering chorus, Peal out the watchword of courage and love ! x. Peal out the watchword, and silence it never, Song of our spirits, rejoicing and free ! 'True-hearted, whole-hearted, now and for ever, King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be!' 2 3 LOYAL RESPONSES. Seventh Day. <33u &l)u (Cross an* passion/ « He hatli given us rest by His sorrow, and life by His death.'— John Bunyan. I. WHAT hast Thou done for me, mighty Friend, Who lovest to the end ! Reveal Thyself, that I may now behold Thy love unknown, untold, Bearing the curse, and made a curse for me, That blessed and made a blessing I might be. ii. Oh, Thou wast crowned with thorns, that I might wear A crown of glory fair; 'Exceeding sorrowful/ that I might be Exceeding glad in Thee ; BY THY CROSS AND PASSION 29 'Rejected and despised/ that I might stand Accepted and complete on Thy right hand. in. Wounded for my transgression, stricken sore, That I might ' sin no more ; ' Weak, that I might be always strong in Thee ; Bound, that I might be free ; Acquaint with grief, that I might only know Fulness of joy in everlasting flow. IV. Thine was the chastisement, with no release, That mine might be the peace ; The bruising and the cruel stripes were Thine, That healing might be mine ; Thine was the sentence and the condemna- tion, Mine the acquittal and the full salvation. v. For Thee revilings, and a mocking throng, For me the angel-song ; Fcr Thee the frown, the hiding of God's face, For me His smile of grace; Sorrows of hell and bitterest death for Thee, And heaven and everlasting life for me. 30 LOYAL RESPONSES. VI. Thy cross and passion, and Thy precious death, While I have mortal breath, Shall be my spring of love and work and praise, The life of all my days ; Till all this mystery of love supreme Be solved in glory — glory's endless theme 1 THE OPENED FOUNTAIN. 31 Eighth Day. &fje ©penetf jFountaitL 'A fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness. .... Wounded in the house of My friends.' — Zech. xiii. 1, 6. AND I have wounded Thee — oh, wounded Thee!— Wounded the dear, dear Hand that holds me fast ! Oh, to recall the word ! That cannot be ! Oh, to unthink the thought that out of reach hath passed 1 11. Sorrow and bitter grief replace my bliss ; I could not wish that any joy should be ; There is no room for any thought but this, That I have sinned — have sinned — have wounded Thee ! 3 2 LOYAL RESPONSES. in. How could I grieve Thee so! Thou couldst have kept ; My fell was not the failure of Thy word. Thy promise hath no flaw, no dire 'except,' To neutralize the grace so royally conferred. IV. Oh the exceeding sinfulness of sin ! Tenfold exceeding in the love-lit light Of Thv sufficient grace, without, within, Enough for every need, in never-conquered might 1 v. With all the shame, with all the keen distress, Quick, < waiting not,' I flee to Thee again; Close to the wound, beloved Lord, I press, That Thine own precious blood may overflow the stain. VI. O precious blood ! Lord, let it rest on me ! I ask not only pardon from my King, But cleansing from my Priest. I come to Thee Just as I came at first,— a sinful, helpless thing. THE OPENED FOUNTAIN, 33 VII. Oh, cleanse me now ! My Lord, I cannot stay For evening shadows and a silent hour : Naiu I have sinned, and nozv, with no delay, I claim Thy promise and its total power. VIII. O Saviour, bid me 'go and sin no more/ And keep me always 'neath the mighty flow Of Thy perpetual fountain ; I implore That Thy perpetual cleansing I may fully know. 34 LOYAL RESPONSES. Ninth Day. ®fje $vfrioiis Bloott of 3esu*. PRECIOUS, precious blood of Jesus, Shed on Calvary ; Shed for rebels, shed for sinners, Shed for me. Precious blood, that hath redeemed us ! All the price is paid ; Perfect pardon now is offered, Peace is made. in. Precious, precious blood of Jesus, Let it make thee whole ; THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS. 35 Let it . n*. Though thy ana ire red like crimson, Deep in scar] Jesu is blood can make them Tiite as sn: v. fow the holiest with boldr.^ . ihe open fountain clean seth vl Precious blood ! by this we conquer precious blood of J \ Ever flowing free ! O believe ::, O receive it, LOYAL RESPONSES. VIII. Precious blood, whose fall atonement Makes us nigh to God ! Precious blood, our song of glory, Praise and laud 1 / REMEMBER THEE. 37 Tenth Day. * Thus saith the Lord, I remember thee, the kind- ness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals.' — Jer. ii. 2. TV /TY Lord, dost Thou indeed remember Just me, the least and last ? With all the names of Thy redeemed, And all Thy angels, has it seemed As though my name might perhaps be overpassed ; Yet here I find Thy word of tenderest grace, True for this moment, perfect for my case, — 1 Thus saith Jehovah, I remember thee ! ' ir. My Lord, dost Thou remember this of me, The kindness of my youth ? 38 LOYAL RESPONSES. The tremulous gleams of early days, The first faint thrills of love and praise, Vibrating fitfully? Not much, in truth, Can I bring back at memory's wondering call; Yet Thou, my faithful Lord, rememberest all,— 1 Thus saith Jehovah, I remember thee ! ' in. My Lord, dost Thou remember this of me, My love, so poor, so cold ? Oh, if I had but loved Thee more ! Yet Thou hast pardoned. Let me pour My life's best wine for Thee, my hearts best gold (Worthless, yet all I have), for very shame That Thou should'st tell me, calling mc by name, — 'Thus saith Jehovah, I remember thee 1 ' IV. My Lord, dost Thou remember this of me, The day of Thine own power ? The love oimine espousals sweet, The laying wholly at Thy feet Of heart and life, in that glad, willing hour ? / REMEMBER THEE. 39 That love was Thine— I gave Thee but Thine own, And yet the Voice falls from the emerald throne, — 'Thus saith Jehovah, I remember thee ! ' v. My Lord, dost Thou remember this of me ? Forgetting every fall, Forgetting all the treacherous days, Forgetting all the wandering ways, With fulness of forgiveness covering all; Casting these memories, a hideous store, Into the crimson sea, for evermore, And only saying, ' I remember thee ! ' vr. My Lord, art Thou indeed remembering me ? Then let me not forget ! Oh, be Thy kindness all the way, Thy everlasting love to-day, In sweet perpetual remembrance set Before my view, to fill my marvelling gaze, And stir my love, and lift my life to praise, Because Thou sayest, ' I remember thee ! ' 4 o LOYAL RESPONSES. Eleventh Day. Itnotoing* i. I KNOW the crimson stain of sin, Defiling all without, within ; But now rejoicingly I know That He has washed me white as snow. I praise Him for the cleansing tide, Because I know that Jesus died. ii. I know the helpless, hopeless plaint, 1 The whole head sick, the whole heart faint ; ' But now I trust His touch of grace, That meets so perfectly my case, So tenderly, so truly deals ; Because I know that Jesus heals. KNOWING. 41 III. I know the pang of forfeit breath, When life in sin was life in death ; But now I know His life is mine, And nothing shall that cord untwine, Rejoicing in the life He gives, Because I know that Jesus lives. rv. I know how anxious thought can press, I know the weight of carefulness ; But now I know the sweet reward Of casting all upon my Lord, No longer bearing what He bears, Because I know that Jesus cares. v. I know the sorrow that is known To the tear-burdened heart alone ; But now I know its full relief Through Him who was acquaint with grief, And peace through every trial flows, Because I know that Jesus knows. VI. I know the gloom amid the mirth, The longing for the love of earth ; 42 LOYAL RESPONSES. But now I know the Love that fills, That gladdens, blesses, crowns, and stills, That nothing mars and nothing moves, — I know, I know that Jesus loves ! VII. I know the shrinking and the fear, When all seems wrong, and nothing clear; But now I gaze upon His throne, And faith sees all His foes overthrown, And I can wait till He explains, Because I know that Jesus reigns. TRUSTING JESUS. 43 Twelfth Day. trusting tots* I AM trusting Thcc, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thcc ; Trusting Thcc for full salvation, Great and Tree. 11. I am trusting Thcc for pardon ; At Thy feet I bow, For Thy grace and tender mercy, Trusting now. in. I am trusting Thcc for cleansing In the crimson flood ; Trusting Thee to make me holy By Thy blood. 44 LOYAL RESPONSES. IV. I am trusting Thee to guide me ; Thou alone shalt lead ! Every day and hour supplying All my need. v. I am trusting Thee for power ; Thine can never fail ! Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me, Must prevail. VI. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus : Never let me fall ! I am trusting Thee for ever, And for all. LOOKING UNTO JESUS. 45 Thirteenth Day. 3LooJtmg unto 3mis* LOOKING unto Jesus ! Battle-shout of faith, Shield o'er all the armour, Free from scar or scathe. Standard of salvation, In our hearts unfurled, Let its elevation Overcome the world 1 11. Look away to Jesus ! Look away from all ; Then we need not stumble, Then we shall not fall. From each snare that lureth Foe or phantom grim, Safety this ensureth : Look away to Him. 46 LOYAL RESPONSES. in. Looking into Jesus ! Wonderingly we trace Heights of power and glory, Depths of love and grace, Vistas far unfolding, Ever stretch before, As we gaze, beholding Ever more and more. IV. Looking up to Jesus On the emerald throne ! Faith shall pierce the heavens Where our King is gone. Lord, on Thee depending, Now, continually, Heart and mind ascending, Let us dwell with Thee. SHINING. 47 Fourteenth Day. i. ARE you shining for Jesus, dear one ? You have given your heart to Him ; But is the light strong within it, Or is it but pale and dim ? Can roe ty body see it, — ■ That Jesus is all to you ? That your love to Him is burning With radiance warm and true ? Is the seal upon your forehead, So that it must be known That you arc 'all for Jesus/ — That your heart is all His own ? ii. Are you shining for Jesus, dear one ? You remember the first sweet ray, 48 LOYAL RESPONSES. When the sun arose upon you And brought the gladsome day; When you heard the gospel message, And Jesus Himself drew near, And helped you to trust Him simply, And took away your fes When the darkness and the shadows Fled like a weary night, And you felt that you could praise Him, And everything seemed bright. in. Are you shining for Jesus, dear one, So that the holy light May enter the hearts of others, And make them glad and bright ? Have you spoken a word for Jesus, And told to some around, Who do not care about Him, What a Saviour you have found ? Have you lifted the lamp for others, That has guided your own glad feet? Have you echoed the loving message, That seemed to you so sweet ? SHINING. 49 IV. Are you shining for Jesus, dear one,- Shining for Him all day, Letting the light burn always Along the varied way ? Always, — when those beside you Are walking in the dark ? Always, — when no one is helping, Or heeding your tiny spark ? Not idly letting it flicker In every passing breeze Of pleasure or temptation, Of trouble or of ease ? v. Are you shining for Jesus, dear one,- Shining just everywhere, Not only in easy places, Not only just here or there ? Shining in happy gatherings, Where all are loved and known ? Shining where all are strangers ? Shining when quite alone ? Shining at home, and making True sunshine all around ? Shining abroad, and faithful — Perhaps among faithless — found ? 50 LOYAL RESPONSES. VI. Are you shining for Jesus, dear one, Not for yourself at all ? Not because dear ones, watching, Would grieve if your lamp should fall? Shining because you are walking In the Sun's unclouded rays, And you cannot help reflecting The light on which you gaze ? Shining because it shineth So warm and bright above, That you must let out the gladness, And you must show forth the love ? VII. Are you shining for Jesus, dear one ? Or is there a little sigh That the lamp His love had lighted Does not burn clear and high ? Is the heavenly crown that wails you, Still, still without a star, Because your light was hidden, And sent no rays afar ? Do you feel you have not loved Ilim With a love right brave and loyal, But have faintly fought and followed His banner bright and royal ? SI FIXING. 51 VIII. Oh, come again to Jesus ! Come as you came at first, And tell Him all that hinders, And tell Him all the worst; And take His sweet forgiveness As you took it once before, And liear His kind voice saying, ' Peace ! go, and sin no more ! ' Then ask for grace and courage His name to glorify, That never more His precious light Your dimness may deny. IX. Then rise, and, 'watching daily,' Ask Him your lamp to trim With the fresh oil He giveth, That it may not burn dim. Yes, rise and shine for Jesus ! Be brave, and bright, and true To the true and loving Saviour, Who gave Himself for you. Oh, shine for Jesus, dear one, And henceforth be your way Bright with the light that shineth Unto the perfect day ! 52 LOYAL RESPONSES. Fifteenth Day. ffirofomg. UNTO him that hath, Thou givest Ever 'more abundantly.' Lord, I live because Thou livest, Therefore give more life to me ; Therefore speed me in the race ; Therefore let me grow in grace. n. Deepen all Thy work, O Master, Strengthen every downward root, Only do Thou ripen faster, More and more, Thy pleasant fruit Purge me, prune me, self abase, Only let me grow in grace. in. Jesus, grace for grace outpouring, Show me ever greater things ; GROWING. 53 Raise me higher, sunward soaring, Mounting as on eagle-wings. By the brightness of Thy face, Jesus, let me grow in grace. IV. Let me grow by sun and shower, Every moment water me ; Make me really hour by hour More and more conformed to Thee, That Thy loving eye may trace, Day by day, my growth in grace. v. Let me then be always growing, Never, never standing still ; Listening, learning, better knowing Thee and Thy most blessed will. Till I reach Thy holy place, Daily let me grow in grace. 54 LOYAL RESPONSES. Sixteenth Day. J&cstmg, 'This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing. 1 — Isa. xxviii. 12. I. RESTING on the faithfulness of Christ our Lord ; Resting on the fulness of His own sure word ; Resting on His power, on His love untold; Resting on His covenant secured of old. 11. Resting 'neath His guiding hand for un- tracked days ; Resting neath His shadow from the noon- tide rays ; Resting at the eventide beneath His wing, In the fair pavilion of our Saviour King. RESTING. 55 in. Resting in the fortress while the foe is nigh ; Resting in the lifeboat while the waves roll high ; Resting in His chariot for the swift glad race ; Resting, always resting in His boundless grace. IV. Resting in the pastures, and beneath the Rock ; Resting by the waters where He leads His flock ; Resting, while we listen, at His glorious feet ; Resting in His very arms ! — O rest complete ! v. Resting and believing, let us onward press, Resting in Himself, the Lord our Righteous- ness ; Resting and rejoicing, let His saved ones sing, Glory, glen*, glory be to Christ our King I 56 LOYAL RESPONSES. Seventeenth Day. filling* 'Filled with all the fulness of God.'— Epii. iii. 19. I. HOLY Father, Thou hast spoken Words beyond our grasp of thought, — Words of grace and power unbroken, With mysterious glory fraught 11. Promise and command combining, Doubt to chase and faith to lift ; Self renouncing, all resigning, We would claim this mighty gift in. Take us, Lord, oh, take us truly, Mind and soul and heart and will ; Empty us and cleanse us throughly, Then with all Thy fulness fill. FILLING 57 Lord, we ask it, hardly knowing What this wondrous gift may be ; But fulfil to overflowing, — Tliy great meaning let us see. v. Make us in Thy royal palace Vessels worthy for the King ; From Thy fulness fill our chalice, From Thy never-failing spring. VI. Father, by this blessed filling, Dwell Thyself in us, we pray ; We are waiting, Thou art willing, Fill us with Thyself to-day ! 53 LOYAL KESrO.VSES. Eighteenth Day. Increase our jFattlj. •Lord, increase our faith.' — Luke xvii. 5. I. INCREASE our faith, beloved Lord ! For Thou alone canst give The faith that takes Thee at Thy word, The faith by which we live. 11. Increase our faith ! So weak are we, That we both may and must Commit our very faith to Thee, Entrust to Thee our trust III. Increase our faith ! for there is yet Much land to be possessed ; And by no other strength we get Our heritage of rest INCREASE OUR FAITH. 59 iv. Increase our faith ! On this broad shield 1 All* fiery darts be caught; We must be victors in the field Where Thou for us hast fought v. Increase our faith, that we may claim Each starry promise sure, And always triumph in Thy name, And to the end endure. vr. Increase our faith, O Lord, we pray, That we may not depart From Thy commands, but all obey With free and loyal heart. vi 1. Increase our faith — increase it still — ■ From heavenward hour to hour, And in us gloriously 'fulfil The work of faith with power.' VIII. Increase our faith, that never dim Or trembling it may be, 60 LOYAL RESPONSES. Crowned with the ' perfect peace ' of him 'Whose mind is stayed on Thee.' IX. Increase our faith, for Thou hast prayed That it should never fail ; Our stedfast anchorage is made With Thee within the veil. x. Increase our faith, that unto Thee More fruit may still abound ; That it may grow 'exceedingly/ And to Thy praise be found. XI. Increase our faith, O Saviour dear, By Thy sweet sovereign grace, Till, changing faith for vision clear, We see Thee face to face 1 'NOBODY KNOWS BUT JESUS: 61 Nineteenth Day. 'No&otrg ftnofo* but Szbhs. 9 1 X TOBODY knows but Jesus ! -L\| *-p- g on j^ t j ie |^ re f ra j n Of a quaint, pathetic slave-song, But it comes again and again. 11. I only heard it quoted, And I do not know the rest ; But the music of the message Was wonderfully blessed. in. For it fell upon my spirit Like sweetest twilight psalm, When the breezy sunset waters Die into starry calm. 62 LOYAL RESPONSES. IV. 1 Nobody knows but Jesus ! ' Is it not better so, That no one else but Jesus, My own dear Lord, should know ? v. When the sorrow is a secret Between my Lord and me, I learn the fuller measure Of His quick sympathy. VI. Whether it be so heavy, That dear ones could not bear To know the bitter burden They could not come and share ; VII. ' Whether it be so tiny, That others could not see Why it should be a trouble, And seem so real to me ; VIII. Either, and both, I lay them Down at my Master's feet, 'NOBODY KNOWS BUT JESUS: 63 And find diem, alone with Jesus, Mysteriously sweet IX. Sweet, for they bring me closer To the dearest, truest Friend ; Sweet, for He comes the nearer, As 'neath the cross I bend ; x. Sweet, for they are the channels Through which His teachings flow ; Sweet, for by these dark secrets His heart of love I know. XI. \ Nobody knows but Jesus ! ' It is music for to-day, And through the darkest hours It will chime along the way. XII. 'Nobody knows but Jesus ! ' My Lord, I bless Thee now For the sacred gift of sorrow That no one knows but Thou. 64 LOYAL RESPONSES, Twentieth Day. $e is tfjg %ife. i. JESUS, Thy life is mine ! Dwell evermore in me ; And let me see That nothing can untwine My life from Thine. Thy life in me be shown I Lord, I would henceforth seek To think and speak Thy thoughts, Thy words alone, No more my own. in. Thy love, Thy joy, Thy peace, Continuously impart Urrto my heart ; HE IS THY LIFE. 65 Fresh springs, that never cease, But still increase. IV. The blest reality Of resurrection power, Thy Church's dower, Life more abundantly, Lord, give to me I Thy fullest gift, O Lord, Now at Thy feet I claim, Through Thy dear name ! And touch the rapturous chord Of praise forth poured. VI. Jesus, my life is Thine, And evermore shall be Hidden in Thee ! For nothing can untwine Thy life from mine. 66 LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-First Day. (SntQtttjfj* i. I AM so weak, dear Lord, I cannot stand One moment without Thee ! But oh ! the tenderness of Thine enfolding, And oh ! the faithfulness of Thine upholding, And oh ! the strength of Thy right hand I That strength is enough for mc ! ir. I am so needy, Lord, and yet I know, All fulness dwells in Thee ; And hour by hour that never-failing treasure Supplies and fills, in overflowing measure, My least, my greatest need ; and so Thy grace is enough for mc ! ENOUGH. 67 in. It is so sweet to trust Thy word alone : I do not ask to sec The unveiling of Thy purpose, or the shining Of future light on mysteries untwining : Thy promise-roll is all my own, — Thy word is enough for me ! IV. The human heart asks love ; but now I know That my heart hath from Thee All real, and full, and marvellous affection, So near, so human ; yet divine perfection Thrills gloriously the mighty glow ! Thy love is enough for me ! v. There were strange soul -depths, restless, vast, and broad, Un fathomed as the sea ; An infinite craving for some infinite stilling; But now Thy perfect love is perfect filling ! Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord, my God, Thou, Thou art enough for me ! » II* I < ■■ — I ■ ' ■ 68 LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-Second Day. an i. GOD'S reiterated ■ all ! ' O wondrous word of peace and power ! Touching with its tuneful fell The rising of each hidden hour, All the day. ii. Only all His word believe, All peace and joy your heart shall fill, All things asked ye shall receive : This is thy Father's word and will, For to-day. in. 1 All I have is Thine/ saith lie. 'All things are yours,' He saith again ; ALL. 69 All the promises for thee Are scaled with Jesus Christ's Amen, For to-day. IV. He shall all your need supply, And He will make all grace abound ; Always all sufficiency In Him for all things shall be found, For to-day. v. All His work He shall fulfil, All the good pleasure of His will, Keeping thee in all Thy ways, And with thee always, 'all the days,' And to-day ! 70 LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-Third Day. ©nig* i. ONLY a mortal's powers, Weak at their fullest strength ; Only a few swift-flashing hours, Short at their fullest length. ii. Only a page for the eye, Only a word for the ear, Only a smile, and by and by Only a quiet tear. in. Only one heart to give, Only one voice to use ; * Only one little life to live, And only one to lose. ONLY. 71 IV. Poor is my best, and small : IIow could I dare divide? Surely my Lord shall have it all, He shall not be denied 1 v. All ! for far more I owe Than all I have to bring ; All ! for my Saviour loves me so I All ! for I love my King ! VI. All ! for it is His own, He gave the tiny store ; All ! for it must be His alone; All for I have no more. VII. All ! for the last and least He stoopeth to uplift : The altar of my great High Priest Shall sanctify my gift. 72 LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-Fourth Day. Pto plaster. ■ I love my master ; . . . I will not go out free. And he shall serve him for ever.' — Ex. xxi. 5, 6. I. I LOVE, I love my Master, I will not go out free, For He is my Redeemer, He paid the price for me. 11. I would not leave His service, It is so sweet and blest ; And in the weariest moments He gives the truest rest. in. I would not halve my service, His only must it be, — MY MASTER. His only, who so loved me And gave Himself for me. IV. My Master shed His life-blood My vassal life to win, And save me from the bondage Of tyrant self and sin. v. He chose me for His service, And gave me power to choose That blessed, l perfect freedom ' Which I shall never lose : VI. For He hath met my longing With word of golden tone, That I shall serve for ever Himself, Himself alone. VII. ■ Shall serve Him ' hour by hour, For He will show me how ; My Master is fulfilling His promise even now ! 74 LOYAL RESPONSES. vi i r. - Shall serve Him,' and ' for ever ; ' hope most sure, most fair ! The perfect love outpouring In perfect service there I IX*. Rejoicing and adoring, Henceforth my song shall be : I love, I love my Waster, 1 will not go out free. PERFECT PEACE. 75 Twenty-Fifth Day. perfect $cace, 1. LIKE a river glorious Is God's perfect peace, Over all victorious In its bright increase. Perfect — vet it flowcth Fuller every day ; Perfect — yet it growcth Deeper all the way. Chorus. Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest, Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest 11. Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand. 76 LOYAL RESPONSES. Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there. Chorus. Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest, Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest m. Every joy or trial Falleth from above, Traced upon our dial By the Sun of Love. We may trust Him solely All for us to do ; They who trust Him wholly, Find Him wholly true. Chorus. Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest, Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest / AM WITH THEE, 77 Twenty-Sixth Day. £ ant foitlj tljce. 1 In His truth and tender grace; Scaled the promise, grandly spoken, With how many a mighty token Of His love and faithfulness. n. He is with irne !- -In thy dwelling, Shielding thee from fear of ill ; All thy burdens kindly bearing, For thy dear ones gently caring, Guarding, keeping, blessing still. 78 LOYAL RESPONSES. in. He is with thee ! — In thy service He is with thee 'certainly/ Filling with the Spirit's power, Giving in the needing hour His own messages by thee. IV. He is with thee ! — With thy spirit, With thy lips, or with thy pen ; In the quiet preparation, In the heart-bowed congregation, Nevermore alone again ! v. He is with thee ! — With thee always, All the nights and all the days ; Never failing, never frowning, With Ills loving-kindness crowning, Tuning all thy life to praise. VI. He is with thee ! — Thine own Master, Leading, loving to the end ; Brightening joy and lightening sorrow, All to-day, yet mort to-morrow, King and Saviour, Lord and Friend. / AM WITH THEE. 79 VII. He is with Thcc ! — Yes, for ever, Now, and through eternity ; Then with Him for ever dwelling, Thou shalt share His joy excelling, Thou with Christ, and Christ with thee I So LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-Seventh Day. ©rust antr Btstrttst i. DISTRUST thyself, but trust His grace ; It is enough for thee [ In every trial thou shalt trace Its all-sufficiency. ii. Distrust thyself, but trust His strength ; In Him thou shalt be strong : His weakest ones may learn at length A daily triumph-song. III. Distrust thyself, but trust His love ; Rest in its changeless glow : And life or death shall only prove Its everlasting flow. TRUST AND DISTRUST. 81 IV. Distrust thyself, but trust alone In Him, for all — for ever ! And joyously thy heart shall own That Jesus faileth never. 82 LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-Eighth Day. aSttljout Carefulness. 'I would have you without carefulness.' — I Cor. vii. 32. MASTER ! how shall I bless Thy name For Thy tender love to me, For the sweet enablings of Thy grace, So sovereign, yet so free, That have taught me to obey Thy word And cast my care on Thee ! 11. They tell of weary burdens borne For discipline of life, Of long anxieties and doubts, Of struggle and of strife, Of a path of dim perplexities With fears and shadows rife. WITHOUT CAREFULNESS. 83 III. Oh, I have trod tint weary path, With burdens not a few, With shadowy faith that Thou would st lead And help me safely through, Trying to follow and obey, And bear my burdens too. IV. Master ! dear Master, Thou didst speak, And yet I did not hear, Or long ago I might have ceased From every care and fear, And gone rejoicing on my way From brightening year to year. v. Just now and then some steeper slope Would seem so hard to climb, That I must cast my load on Thee ; And I left it for a time, And wondered at the joy at- heart, Like sweetest Christmas chime. VI. A step or two on winged feet, And then I turned to share 84 LOYAL RESPONSES. The burden Thou hadst taken up Of ever-pressing care ; So what I would not leave with Thee Of course I had to bear. VII. At last Thy precious precepts fell On opened heart and car, A varied and repeated strain I could not choose but hear, Enlinking promise and command, Like harp and clarion clear : VIII. 1 No anxious thought upon thy brow The watching world should see ; No carefulness ! O child of God, For nothing careful be 1 But cast thou all thy care on Him Who always cares for thee/ IX'. Did not Thy loving Spirit come In gentle, gracious shower, To work Thy pleasure in my soul In that bright, blessed hour, WITHOUT CAREFULNESS. 85 And to the word of strong command Add faith and vvUl and power? x. It was Thy word, it was Thy will — That was enough for me ! Henceforth no care shall dim my trust, For all is cast on Thee ; Henceforth my inmost heart shall praise The grace that set me free. XI. And now I find Thy promise true, Of perfect peace and rest ; I cannot sigh — I can but sing While leaning on Thy breast, And leaving everything to Thee, Whose ways are always best XII. I never thought it could be thus, — Month after month to know The river of Thy peace without One ripple in its flow ; Without one quiver in the trust, One flicker in its crlow. 86 LOYAL RESPONSES. XIII. Oh, Thou hast done far more for me Than I had asked or thought ! I stand and marvel to behold What Thou, my Lord, hast wrought, And wonder what glad lessons yet I shall be daily taught. XIV. How shall I praise Thee, Saviour dear, For this new life so sweet, For taking all the care I laid At Thy beloved feet, Keeping Thy hand upon my heart To still each anxious beat ! xv. I want to praise, with life renewed, As I never praised before ; With voice and pen, with song and speech, To praise Thee more and more, And the gladness and the gratitude Rejoicingly outpour. xvi. I long to praise Thee more, and yet This is no care to me : WITHOUT CAREFULNESS. 87 If Thou shalt fill my mouth with songs, Then I will sing to Thee ; And if my silence praise Thee best, Then silent I will be. XVII. Yet if it be Thy will, dear Lord, Oh, send me forth, to be Thy messenger to careful hearts, To bid them taste and see How good Thou art to those who cast All, all their care on Thee ! 8S LOYAL RESPONSES. Twenty-Ninth Day. &!)2 Jfcrigm * Righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.' — Rom. xiv. 17. THY reign is righteousness ; Not mine, but Thine ! — A covering no less Than the broad, bright waves of Thy great sea, That roll triumphantly From line to pole, and pole to line ; A reign where every rebel thought In sweet captivity To Thine obedience is brought. ir. Thy reign is perfect peace ; Not mine, but Thine ! — . A stream that cannot cease, THY REIGN. 89 For its fountain is Thy heart O depth unknown ! Thou givest of Thine own, Pouring from Thine and filling mine. The * noise of war* hath passed away ; God's peace is on the throne, Ruling with undisputed sway. in. Thy reign is joy divine ; Not mine, but Thine, Or else not any joy to me ! For a joy that flowed not from Thine own, Since Thou hast reigned alone, Were vacancy or misery. O sunshine of Thy realm, how bright This radiance from Thy throne, Unspeakable in calmest light 1 IV. Thy reign shall still increase ! I claim Thy word, — Let righteousness and peace go LOYAL RESPONSES. And joy in the Holy Ghost be found, And more and more abound In me, through Thee, O Christ my Lord ; Take unto Thee Thy power, who art My Sovereign, many-crowned 1 Stablish Thy kingdom in my heart TRIED, PRECIOUS, SURE. 91 Thirtieth Day, &rtetr, precious, &nvt. f 'The same yesterday, and to-day, and for Jesus \ ever.' — Heb. xiii. 8. Christ "1 'A stone, a tried stone, a precious comer [ stone, a sure foundation.' — Isa. xxviii. 16. I. THROUGH the yesterday of ages, Jesus, Thou hast been the Same ; Through our own life's chequered pages, Still the one dear changeless name. Well may we in Thee confide, Faithful Saviour, proved and ' tried ! ' Joyfully we stand and witness Thou art still to-day The Same ; In Thy perfect, glorious fitness, Meeting every need and claim. Chiefest of ten thousand Thou ! Saviour, O most * precious/ now! 92 LOYAL RESPONSES. III. Gazing down the far for ever, Brighter glows the one sweet Name, Stedfast radiance, paling never, Jesus, Jesus ! still the Same. Evermore 'Thou shalt endure/ Our own Saviour, strong and 'sire ! ' JUST WHEN THOU WILT. 93 Thirty-First Day. 3ust foljm QTfjou foilt* JUST when Thou wilt, Master, call ! Or at the noon, or evening fall, Or in the dark, or in the light, — Just when Thou wilt, it must be right 11. Just when Thou wilt, O Saviour, come, Take me to dwell in Thy bright home ! Or when the snows have crowned my head, Or ere it hath one silver thread. in. Just when Thou wilt, O Bridegroom, say, * Rise up, my love, and come away ! ' Open to me Thy golden gate, Just when Thou wilt, or soon, or late. 94 LOYAL RESPONSES. IV. Just when Thou wilt — Thy time is best — Thou Shalt appoint my hour of rest, Marked by the Sun of perfect love, Shining unchangeably above. v. Just when Thou wilt ! — no choice for me I Life is a gift to use for Thee ; Death is a hushed and glorious tryst, With Thee, my King, my Saviour, Christ 1 INDEX TO FIRST LINES. PACK And I have wounded Thee— oh, wounded Thee ! • 31 Are you shining for Jesus, dear one ? 47 Distrust thyself, but trust His grace, 8o God's reiterated ■ all ! ' . 68 He who hath led, will lead, 18 Holy Father, Thou hast spoken, ■ 56 I am so weak, dear Lord, I cannot stand, 66 I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 43 1 1 am with thee ! ' He hath said it, . , ■ 77 I know the crimson stain of sin, • . , 40 I love, I love my Master, 72 Increase our faith, beloved Lord ! ■ 58 Jesus, Thy life is mine ! . . 64 Just to let thy Father do, . 14 Like a river glorious, .... 75 Looking unto Jesus ! , AS Master ! how shall I bless Thy name, . « 82 My Lord, dost Thou indeed remember me, 37 * Nobody knows but Jesus ! ' . . « 95 61 9 6 LOYAL KESrOXSES. Only a mortal's powers, .... Precious, precious blood of Jesus, Resting on the faithfulness of Christ our Lord Set apart for Jesus ! .... Take my life, and let it be, . . • Through the yesterday of ages, Thy reign is righteousness, True-hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal Unto him that hath, Thou givest, What hast Thou done for me, O mighty Friend, Who is on the Lord's side ? TACK 70 34 54 II 9 9* 83 24 52 28 21 I lllll s H rw.'!' is LJaM r ft « ft &1 "i S3 t 01 r °° 2 — ' . ■ ; ECHOES FROM THE WORD THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. BY THE LATE FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL. "Thy Word is truth." * Songs in the house of my pilgrimage." WITH PREFA TORY NOTE By the Rev. Charles Bullock, B.D., Editor of il T/it Day of Days." NEW YORK : ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH & COMPANY 38 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET. CHOSEN LESSONS. '• Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose." — Ps. xxv. 12. In the way that He shall choose He will teach us ; Not a lesson we shall lose : All shall reach us. Stra7ige and difficult indeed We may find it, But the blessing that we need Is behind it. All the lessons He shall send Are the yivcetest: And His training, in the cnd t Is comfiletest. F. R. II (S) PREFATORY NOTE. " Echoes from the Word " were written and arranged by the gifted and lamented FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL as a monthly series of papers for The Day of Days during the year 1879. I ^ a d sug- gested the title to her; and although her hands were full of work for the Master, with the impulsive readiness of willing- hood which so characterized her devoted life, she at once undertook to meet my wish. The title was evidently regarded by her as expressive of the one desire which so fully pervaded all her writings, namely to "echo" only Bible teaching; and this no doubt, influenced her to consent. (7) PRE FA TOR Y NO TE. Some of the "Echoes" are adapted portions of existing poems, but most of them were written during her visit to Blackheath, in the early part of last year, just before her return to Caswell Bay, where the message from the King so quickly reached her. As Sunday morning thoughts during the coming New Year, it is hoped they will prove pleasant and profitable links of grateful memory and hallowed association with one who is now keeping the eternal Sabbath in the Sanctuary above — called to " The ministry 'mid saint and seraph band, And service of high praise in the Eternal Land." C. B. Blackheath, November^ 1879. CONTENTS. PAGI Frontispiece — Astley Church, the Rectory, and Churchyard. Advent, u Christmas, 17 Epiphany, 21 Lent, 31 Easter, . 39 Ascension and Whitsuntide, .... 45 Trinity, 51 (9) HITHERTO AND HENCEFORTH. 'The Lord hath blessed me hitherto." — Josh. xvii. 14 Hitherto the Lord hath blessed us, Guiding all the way ; Heiiceforth let us trust Him fully. Trust Him all the day. Hitherto the Lord hath loved us, Caring for His own ; Henceforth let us love Him better. Live for Hi)ii alone. Hitherto the Lord hath blessed us, Crowning all our days ; Henceforth let us live to bless Him, Live to show His praise. F. R. H. in "Home Words? (10) ADVENT. "HE COMETH." Behold, the Bridegroom cometh : go ye out to mee Him." — St. Matt. xxv. 6. O herald whisper, falling Upon the passing night, Mysteriously calling The children of the Light ! Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, Our own beloved Lord I This blessed hope upsummeth Our zmdeserved reward. He cometh I Though the hour Nor earth nor heaven may know: Sure is the word of power, "He cometh I " Even so! F. R. H. (12) Advent Sunday "THOU ART COMING." "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus." — Rev. xxii. 20. Thou art coming, O my Saviour ! Thou art coming, O my King! In Thy beauty all-resplendent, In Thy glory all-transcendent ; Well may we rejoice and sing! Coming ! In the^opening east, Herald brightness slowly swells ! Coming ! O my glorious Priest, Hear we not Thy golden bells ? Thou art coming ! Rays of glory, Through the veil Thy death has rent, Touch the mountain and the river With a golden, glowing quiver, Thrill of light and music blent. (13) 14 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. Earth is brightened when this gleam Falls on flower and rock and stream ; Life is brightened when this ray Falls upon its darkest day. Thou art coming ! At Thy Table We are witnesses for this, While remembering hearts Thou meetest In communion clearest, sweetest, Earnest of our coming bliss ; Showing not Thy death alone, And Thy love exceeding great, But Thy coming and Thy throne — All for which we loner and wait. Thou art coming ! We arc waiting. With a hope that can not fail ; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy Word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure ; Certainty shall make us strong. Joyful patience can endure I ADVENT. is Secxmxl Stwdatj in; $.dvettt. "THY WORD." ' The word of my lord the king shall now be comfort able" (margin, "for rest"). — 2 Sam. xiv. 17. UPON Thy Word I rest, So strong, so sure : So full of comfort blest, So sweet, so pure — The Word that changeth not, that faileth never ! My King, I rest upon Thy Word forever ! Third Suttdatj in $.dvsnt. "THE EVERLASTING FATHER." ** His Name shall be called the Everlasting Father." — Isa. ix. 6. O NAME of gentlest grace, O Name of strength and might : Meeting the heart-need of our orphaned race With tenderest delight ! O.ur everlasting Father ! This is He Who came in deep humility a little Child to be ! 16 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. FttttJtb Suftdaij in &Hvmt. "THY KING COMETH." "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee."— Zech. ix. 9 Cometh in lowliness, Cometh in righteousness, Cometh in mercy, all-royal and free ! Cometh with grace and might, Cometh with love and light, Cometh, beloved — oh, cometh to thee ! CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS GIFTS. •Thou hast received gifts for men." — Ps. lxviii. 18. Christmas gifts for thee % Grand and free I Christmas gifts from the King of love, Brought from His royal Home above ; Brought to thee in the far-off land, Brought to thee by His own dear Hand. Promises held by Christ for thee, Peace as a river flowing free, Joy that in His own joy must live, And love that Infinite Love can give. Surely thy heart of hearts uplifts Carols of praise for such Christmas gifts / F. R. H., in "Home Words;' 1879. (18) ghristmas-Batj* "UNTO us." " Unto us a Child is born." — IsA. ix. 6. UNTO you the Child is born On this blessed Christmas morn ; Unto you, to be your Peace ; Unto you, for He hath found you , Unto you, with full release From the weary chains that bound you Unto you, that you may rise Unto Him above the skies ! First Swtdaij after ghmtmas* "CHRIST WITH US." "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit." — 2 Tim. iv. 22. FOR the weariest day May Christ be thy Stay ; For the darkest night May Christ be thy Light ; (19) 20 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. For the weakest hour May Christ be thy Power ; For each moment's fall May Christ be thy All. Ssctrod Strodag aitev ©tmstroas; THE WALK WITH GOD. " Enoch walked with God : and he was not ; for God took him." — Gen. v. 22. So may'st thou walk ! from hour to hour Of every passing year, Keeping so very near To Him, whose power is love, whose love is power. So may'st thou walk ! in His clear light, Leaning on Him alone, Thy life His very own, Until He takes thee up to walk with Him in white. THE EPIPHANY. "TELL IT OUT." Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King." — Ps. xcvi. 10. Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King I Tell it out, tell it out I Tell it out amo?ig the nations : bid them shout and sing : Tell it out, tell it out / Tell it out with adoratioji, that He shall in* crease ; That the mighty King of Glory is the King of Peace. Tell it out with jitbilatio?i t though the waves may roar, That He sitteth on the water-floods, our King for evermore / F. R. H. (22) The Ejxiptmmj. "THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.' M Unto you that fear My Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise." — Mal. iv. 2. WHEN first the sun dispels the cloudy night, The glad hills catch the radiance from afar, And smile for joy ! We say : " How fair they are ! Tree, rock, and heather-bloom, so clear and bright!" But when the sun draws near in westering might, Enfolding all in one transcendent blaze Of sunset glow, we trace them not, but gaze And wonder at the glorious, holy light. Come nearer, Sun of Righteousness ! that we Whose swift short hours of day so swift- ly run, (23) 24 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. So overflowed with love and light may be, So lost in glory of the nearing Sun, That not our light, but Thine, the world may see — New praise to Thee through our poor lives be won. First Stradag after Epiphany;. "MY SABBATHS." 44 1 gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between mo and them." — Ezek. xx. 12. The token of His truth and care, the gift that He hath blessed ; The pledge of our inheritance, the earnest of His rest ; The diamond hours of holy light, the God- entrusted leisure ! Oh, for a heart to prize aright this rich and heavenly treasure ! THE EPIPHANY. 25 Secawd Stmdatj after Epipbattij* r STILLNESS. 11 Be quiet ; fear not." — Isa. vii. 4. THOU layest Thy hand on the fluttering heart, And sayest : " Be still ! " The silence and shadow are only a part Of Thy sweet will ; Thy presence is with me, and where Thou art I fear no ill. Third Sunday after Epipbatwj. "SILENT TO THE LORD." " Rest in the Lord [" Be silent to the Lord/' margin], and wait patiently for Him." — Ps. xxxviii. 7. REST, and be silent ! For,faithfully listening, Patiently waiting, thine eyes shall behold Pearls in the waters of quietness glistening, Treasures of promise that He shall unfold. Rest, and be silent ! for Jesus is here, Calming and stilling each ripple of fear. 26 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. Wtmtth Stmdarj after Epiphany. CHILDREN OF THE DAY. "Thine age shall be clearer than the noonday thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. —Job. xi. 17. Fear not the westering shadows, Oh, children of the Day ! For brighter still and brighter Shall be your homeward way. Resplendent as the morning, With fuller glow and power, And clearer than the noonday, Shall be your sunset hour. Fifth Suttdaij after Epiphany THE UNFAILING ONE. " He faileth not."— Zeph. iii. 5. He who hath led, will lead All through the wilderness; He who hath fed, will feed ; He who hath blessed, will bless : THE EPIPHANY. 27 He who hath heard thy cry Will never close His ear ; He who hath marked thy faintest sigh Will not forget thy tear. He loveth always, faileth never ! So rest on Him, to-day, forever! He who hath made thee whole Will heal thee day by day ; He who hath spoken to thy soul, Hath many things to say. He who hath gently taught Yet more will make thee know ; He who so wondrously hath wrought, Yet greater things will show. He loveth always, faileth never ; So rest on Him to-day, forever ! Sixth Swtdatj after Epipfoamj. "I KNOW." " I know Whom I have believed." — 2 Tim. i. 12. I KNOW the crimson stain of sin, Defiling all without, within ; 28 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. But now rejoicingly I know That He has washed me white as snow. I praise Him for the crimson tide, Because I know that Jesus died. I know the helpless, hopeless plaint, "The whole head sick, the whole heart faint;" But now I trust His touch of grace, That meets so perfectly my case — So tenderly, so truly deals : Because I know that Jesus heals. Soptuagssima Stmdajj, EVERLASTING LOVE. "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." — Eph. iii. 19. O LOVE surpassing thought, So bright, so grand, so clear, so true, so glorious ! Love infinite, love tender, love unsought, THE EPIPHANY. 29 Love changeless, love rejoicing, love vic- torious ! And this great love for us in boundless store ; Christ's everlasting love ! What would'st thou more ? Ssxagssima Stmdatj. THE MYSTERY OF GRACE. M The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy." — Ps. cxlvii. 11. O MYSTERY of grace That chooseth us to stand before Thy face, To be Thy " special treasure/' Thy portion, Thy delight, Thine own ; That taketh pleasure In them that fear Thy Name, that hope alone In Thy sweet mercy's boundless measure ! 30 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. duim^tmiyssiroa Simdaij. STRONG IN HIM. M Finally, .my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and ia the power of His might." — Epii. vi. 10. DISTRUST thyself, but trust His strength ; In Him thou shalt be strong ! His weakest ones may learn at length A daily triumph song. Distrust thyself, but trust His love, Rest in its changeless glow : And life or death shall only prove Its everlasting flow. LENT, FORGIVEN— EVEN UNTIL NOW. " Thou hast forgiveii — even until now / " We bless Thee, Lord, for this, And take Thy great forgiveness as we bow In depth of sorrowing bliss ; While over all the long, regretful past This veil of wondrous grace Thy sovereign hand doth cast. u Forgiven until now! 9 ' For Jesus died To take our sins away ! His blood was shed, and still the infinite tide Flows full and deep to-day. He paid the debt ; we own it, and go free / The cancelled bond is cast in love's taifathomei sea. F. R. II. in "Home Words." (32) First Stmdatj in Hmt " COME YE APART." "And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart, into a desert place, and rest awhile." — St. Mark vi. 31. Oh, for " a desert place " with only the Master's smile ! Oh, for the " coming apart" with only His "rest awhile !" Many are " coming and going" with busy and restless feet, And the soul is hungering now, with " no leisure so much as to eat." Well: I will wait in the crowd till He shall call me apart, Till the silence fall which shall waken the music of mind and heart ; Patiently wait till He give the work of my secret choice, Blending the song of life with the thrill of the Master's voice. (33) 34 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. ScctMtd Stwxlatj i» HLmL THE PAST AND THE PRESENT. "Forgetting those things which are behind, . . . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high call ing of God in Christ Jesus." — Phil. Hi. 13, 14. LEAVE behind thy faithless sorrow, And thine every anxious care ; He who only knows the morrow Can for thee its burden bear. Leave behind the doubting spirit, And thy heavy load of sin ! By thy mighty Saviour's merit Life eternal thou shalt win. Third Sundatj in &Dn:t DARKNESS AND LIGHT. "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye also in 1. "—St. Matt. x. 27. Floating through the sombre stillness Came the loved and loving voice, Speaking peace and solemn gladness, That His children might rejoice. LENT. 35 ■ ■' ■ ■ — « What He tehs thee in the darkness, Songs He giveth in the night — Rise and speak it in the morning, Rise and sing them in the light ! Wtmvlh Suftdatj in TLmt. THE FOUNTAIN OPENED. "A fountain opened for sin and for uncle»ftii«»s. .... Wounded in the house of My friends." — Zech. xiii. I, 6. AND I have wounded Thee — oh, wounded Thee! Wounded the dear, dear Hand that holds me fast ; Oh, to recall the word ! That can not be I Oh, to unthink the thought that out of reach hath passed ! O precious blood ! Lord, let it rest on me ! I ask not only pardon from my King, 36 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. But cleansing from my Priest. I come to Thee, Just as I came at first — a sinful, helpless thing. O Saviour, bid me " go and sin no more," And keep me always 'neath the mighty flow Of Thy perpetual fountain ; I implore, That Thy perpetual cleansing I may fully know ! Wiith §ttttda# in &mit. god's rest. 11 Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." — St. Matt. xi. 28. Oh, rest, so true, so sweet ! (Would it were shared by all the weary world !) Neath shadowing banner of His love un- furled ; LENT. 3* We bend to kiss the Master's pierced feet ; Then lean our love upon His boundless breast, And know God's Rest. Tfrs Sunday; mxt hzitxvz lasted THE CORNER-STONE. " Behold, I lay in Zion a chief Corner-stone, elect, precious." — i St. Pet. ii. 6. MARVELOUS and very precious is the Cor- ner-stone Elect : Though rejected by the builders, chosen by the Architect. All-supporting, all-uniting, and all-crown* ing, tried and sure ; True Foundation, yet true Headstone of His Temple bright and pure. 38 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. OUR SUBSTITUTE. 14 If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live ?* — Ezek. xxxiii. 10. " The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.* — ISA. liii. 6. On Thee, the Lord My mighty sins hath laid ; And against Thee Jehovah's sword Flashed forth its fiery blade. The stroke of justice fell on Thee, That it might never fall on me. EASTER. AN EASTER PRAYER. "That I may know Him, and the power of His Resurrection." — Phil. iii. 10. Oh, let me know The power of Thy Resurrection ; Oh, let me show Thy Risen life in calm and clear reflection; Oh, let me soar Where Thou, ?ny Saviour Christ, art gone before , I?i mind and heart Let me dwell always, only, where Thou art. Oh, let 7ne give Out of the gifts Thou freely givest ; Oh, let me live With life abundantly because Thou livest ; Oh, make me shine In darkest places, for Thy light is mine ; Oh, let me sing For very joy because Thou art my King. F. R. H. (40) I Easter-Bat?. ''ARISE, shine!" Arise, shine ; for thy light is come, and the glory o the Lord is risen upon thee." — Isa. lx. I. ARISE, for He is risen to-day ! - And shine, for He is glorified ! Put on thy beautiful array, And keep perpetual Easter-tide. First Sunday after Easter. EASTER HALLELUJAHS. 41 1 have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgres- sions, and, as a cloud, thy sins : return unto Me ; {(V I have redeemed thee. Sing, O ye heavens ; for \\q Lord hath done it : shout, ye lower parts of the c irth : break forth into singing, ye mountains, O for- £ it, and every tree therein : for the Lord hath redeemed ^cob, and glorified Himself in Israel." — Isa. xliv. f2, 23. ")H, mountain height, break forth and sing In color music fair and sweet ! (4i) 42 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. Oh, forest depths, awake and bring Your delicate odors to His feet ! Sing, for the Lord hath done it ! Proclaim redemption, for He won it ! Let Easter hallelujahs rise from every living thing ! S^ctxnd Stwdatj afte? Easts?. RESURRECTION LIFE. " If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." — Rom. vi. 5. In the likeness, of His death We were planted ; Therefore, by His Spirit's breath, Resurrection life is granted : Resurrection beauty glowing, Resurrection power outflowing, Resurrection gladness cheering, > Resurrection glory nearing. EASTER. 43 Third Sunday; afte* Easter WONDROUS GRACE. 11 Ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise .e Name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt ondrously with you : and My people shall never be shamed." — Joel ii. 26. WONDROUSLY The Lord hath dealt with thee ! Wondrous mercy all the way, Wondrous patience every day, Wondrous pardon, wondrous feeding, Wondrous help and wondrous leading Wondrously **\ 1 Lord shall deal with thee ! Vondrous tenderness and grace, I A/ondrous shining of His face, f< Wondrous faithfulness and power, I; Wondrous love from hour to hour. 44 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. Fourth Stwdatj after Easter. "he knows/' " I know their sorrows." — Exod. iii. 7. He knows ! Yes, Jesus knows just what you can not telL He understands so well ! The silence of the heart is heard, He does not need a single word. | He thinks of you, He watcheth and He careth too : He pitieth, He loveth ! All this flows In one sweet word : " He knows ! " ^xxgatixxt* Stwdatj. THE OPENED TREASURE. "The Lord shall open unto thee His good treasure/'. — Deut. xxviii. 12. His love is the key, and His glory thtl measure Of grace all-abounding and riches un- priced ; To thee shall be opened this infinite treas- ure — To thee, the unsearchable riches of Christ. ASCENSION AND WHITSUNTIDE. "SHOWERS OF BLESSING." u I will cause the shower to come down in his sc son ; there shall be showers of blessing." — Eze xxxiv. 26. Fair the blossoms opening early: For the dew Fell up07i them cool and pearly 9 Brig hte7ii Jig every hue. Like a little thirsty flower* Lift your face ; Seek the gentle, holy shower Of the Spirit's grace* (46) ! OUR FORERUNNER. Within thv veil, whither our Forerunner has for us entered." — Heb. vi. 20. GOLDEN harps are sounding, Angel voices ring, Pearly gates are opened — Opened for the King ; Christ, the King of glory, Jesus, King of love, Is gone up in triumph To His throne above. Praying for His children In that blessed place, Calling them to glory, Sending them His grace ; (47) 48 ECHOES FROM THE WORD. His bright home preparing, Faithful ones, for you ; Jesus ever liveth, Ever loveth too ! Suttdaij after $.scettsi