' SERMONS IN VERSE BY WILLIAM M. FOSTER SPARTANBURG, S. C. 'ARLINGTON PUBLISHING CO I903 ptea Received FEB 13 1904 •*. Copyright 2l_ASS cv COPY S -b^*)* 01^ -fs TWTILLIAM MOULTRIE FOSTER, the M^ author of this volume, was born in Spartan- ^ ^ burg County, on the waters of Pacolet river, July 28, 1825. His father, James Foster, was a farmer and school teacher, and the son was fired with an ambition to get an education early in life. When crops were laid by, he would attend the log- cabin school, such as the country afforded in those days, and go back to the plow at 25 cents a day, in order to get more schooling. At length he was fitted for col- lege and took a full classical course at the .Lime- stone Springs Academy, under I). D. Rosa. When the war between the States was declared, Mr. Foster volunteered and raised a company, which was attached Lo the 9th Regiment, under Col. J. D. Blanding. After one year he was elected major of the 5th S. C. Regiment at Yorktown, Va. He was sev- erely wounded at Seven Pines and disabled. After the war he was admitted to the bar. and practiced law for more than ten years with consider- able success in Stale and Federal Courts. Feeling called to preach, he gave up law and entered the min- istry of the Baptist Church and served numerous con- gregations as pastor. He is a ripe scholar, being particularly thorough in Latin and Greek, and a close student of the Bible, able even at the age of 78 years to quote more Scrip- tures from memory, perhaps, than any other man in the State ; t , .,,,.... ? iMajot*f , 4§S e J' served. 8 Sjfears as a member of the ]-eg]rAnt\fr$ fr,<$rp IJtis couiifiy/ a*nd was for four years County School Commissioner of Union County. He has, #1 way g # bean, fpr.emost. >m M a/lvocating the right as '. n£sa*i*l. jt^ip5d*;ije has! been; *a ', power for good in his <3«*y.^nd! generation*-* • *•* J. C. Garmncton. Spartanbukg, S. C, Nov. 26. 1903. PREFACE. Oft requested to write a book, The task I undertake; Let all the critics on it look, And find out each mistake. Perfection is not found in man, Though educated well; To do just right he never can, Because poor Adam fell. In virtue's cause these lines appear, To help poor fallen man; That he may higher rise each year, And learn redemption's plan. To encourage all men to strive The pearl of price to seek; That they with the holy and wise, May enter with the meek. What profit would accrue to man, If all the world he gained? Naught can frustrate Jehovah's plan, The righteous are sustained. In exchange what would a man give To save his soul from death; 4 PREFACE With Jesus forever to live, From date of parting breath? This book is not at all for show, But knowledge to impart To the wicked who do, not know, Nor yet have made a start. God's word can bring the dead to life, And wake the sleepers up; Likewise soothe the bitterest strife. And fill each empty cup. God's glory our people, and right, This volume will sustain; The hidden jewels bring to light. Which Bible truths contain. Good tidings to every one, Who will these lines peruse; The death that never dies to shun, May all best efforts use. Give me thine heart, says God on high, And I will do the rest; By cords of love I'll draw you nigh, And soothe your aching breast. Mountains shall sing, trees ^lap their hands When grace comes in the soul; This truth is known in all the lands, Where man from sin's made whole. — William Moultrie Foster. SERMONS IN VERSE For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2d Tim., 4th and 6th and 7th. Reared up at Gamaliel's feet, And skilled in laws divine; He left a record none can beat, His knowledge was sublime. The part he acted while on earth, With it none can compare; He led them all from second birth, He was a jewel rare. He did his Master's work with skill, He feared no living man; He bowed submissive to His will And taught salvation's plan. To the Gentiles a beacon light To guide them in the way; That leads from earth to regions bright, To an eternal day. The work he did while he was here, Will live forevermore; 6 SERMONS IN VERSE No persecution made him fear. All ills of life he bore. I have fought a good fight while here. Departure is at hand; I know my heart has been sincere, I shall forever stand. I'm ready to be offered up, To leave this earthly sphere; I've drunk the sweet and bitter cup, To leave I have no fear. To the third heaven I have been In spirit raised on high; Since Jesus rescued me from sin , And has been my supply. A thorn in flesh was given me, In proper bounds to keep; Lest I should too exalted be. And have just cause to weep. A crown in heaven I shall wear. And see my Savior's face; And palms of vic'try I shall bear. And sing the song free grace Believers all will wear a crown. In that eternal day; While sinners will be sinking down, Who failed on earth to pray. SERMONS IN VERSE Lord help us all more zeal to show. And wiser grow each day; Till time with us shall be no more, And we the last debt pay. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God; in Him will I trust. Psalm 91 and 2d verse. The Lord is my refuge from storms, Which strike the earth in divers forms; They come by night as well as day, The best for all, is watch and pray. He's the only refuge from sin, And none but he has ever been, A fortress strong that none can break, He loves mankind for Jesus' sake. This fortress will forever stand, No man can pluck from His strong hand; He creates, and He can destroy, No foes can, our great God annoy. He is our God, our all in all, In Him we'll stand and never fall; Trust in the shadow of His wing, And this will consolation bring. With his feathers He covers all. For his protection all should call; 8 SERMONS IN VERSE He only shields the pure in heart, To all such, He will, grace impart. He shields from the terrors by night, The Lord's armor is always blight; Before His sword nothing can stand, He's Lord of heaven, sea and land. If God be for us, why then fear? To all His own He's ever dear; He bids us no destruction dread, If at noonday, be not afraid. Pestilence that in darkness walks, Of which to man He plainly talks, Will have no terrors for that soul, That by His grace has been made whole. Grace in the soul will overcome The ills that so much annoy some; Death's valley will no terror bring, To those who trust beneath His wing. May all then trust in Zion's King, Sweet anthems to His glory sing, And at the last loud trumpet blast, Crv, harvest home, I'm saved at last. SERMONS IN VERSE 9 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Isaiah 40 and 12. Who in the hollow of Hi3 hand. Measured all waters of the land? God who rules in heaven and earth, The same that gave all nature birth. Lakes; rivers and five oceans grand, All in the hollow of His hand! Majestic hand! mind's lost in thought, At wonders with such powers fraught. Great hand takes heavens in its span. Just pause and think poor fallen man, The same God sent His Son to save, Your soul from death, hell and the grave. Comprehends the dust of the earth, In a measure, He gave it birth; He speaks, 'tis done, all things obey, He is the life, the truth, the way. In scales the great mountains He weighs, So teach us to number our days; And our hearts to wisdom apply, That we may reach a home on high. How good, how merciful and kind, That man in Him a friend should find; 10 vSERMONS IN VERSE That sticks closer than a brother, Beside Him there's not another. Hills in a balance by Him swung, What a lesson to old and young! Then let all praise His holy name, Yesterday and today the same. And He said unto them; Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that be- lieveth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned. Mark, 16 chapter and 15 and 16 verses. Here God gives a sweeping command, To His servants in every land; Go teach all nations how to live, The counsel of God, to th*m give. Not only preachers are here meant. These can't preach except they be sent; Let us all unite in a band, And send them into ev'ry land. Money thus spent is laid out well, Bread cast on the waters will tell; After days will be gathered in, And men be saved from death and sin. Let ev'ry creature hear the word, By which the souls of men are stirred: That word that raises from the grave. And is able all souls to save. SERMONS IN VERSE IE He that believes and is baptized Will reach a home beyond the skies; Where wine and milk and honey flow, And fruits on trees immortal grow. No light of sun is needed there, God lights the place up ev'rywhere; No wave of trouble intervenes, To mar the happy thrilling scenes. What of him who will not believe? Nor the glorious truth receive; His dawn of life is overcast, His soul is lost, he's damned at last. Banished from God, O, horrid thought, Would that men might live as they ought, And lend to truth a list'ning ear, That truth, that drives away all fear. Savor of life to all the earth, And has been since the first man's birth; That word will live when time's no more, Like its Author, steadfast and sure. Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me, days with- out number. Jer., 2 and 32. Many people our God forget, He's absent from their thought: 12 SERMONS IN VERSE With death comes remorseful regret. They lived not as they ought. The maid forgets not her attire, But for the body cares; For show her soul is all on fire, She's lured by Satan's snares. Who opens not his prison door, But snugly locks her in; Once was rich, but now is poor, Led by that man of sin. The bride watches her attire well, And keeps each fold in place; Her cares for earth all else excel, She runs the downward race. Have no care about what you eat, Nor what you shall now wear: The love of the world will defeat. The prospects once so fair. Days without number men will stray. Nevermore to return; They forget Jehovah's highway, And then His gospel spurn. These unto punishment shall go, Everlasting to be; They spent their life for outward show No comfort will they see. SERMONS IN VERSE 13 For the wages of sin is death, And the payment is sure; Debt will be paid at parting breath, For the course they pursue. Now while life's lamp holds out to burn, Sinners may yet be saved; Hasten then and make your return, Although by sin enslaved. God's power can save all who come, The door is opened wide; His work on earth is not yet done, Man's needs can be supplied. Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain. Part of 1st verse of 2d chapte of Joel . Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, Shout the praise of Judah's lion; He gave Himself without a call, To redeem man from Adam's fall. Don't let the trumpet cease to blow Let it echo from shore to shore; Let its blast reach ev'ry nation, Proclaim to all free salvation. He that believes and is baptized. Will enter in with Virgins wise; U SERMONS IN VERSE Foolish Virgins who will not hear, Will with the goats, at last appear. Mortals are saved by grace alone, Safety dwells not with flesh and bone; It is a gift that none can buy, Descends to man from God on high. All the gold and jewels of earth. Can never buy the second birth; That word "hear" and your soul shall live, No power but God's can ever give. Humble yourself and be brought low, Do this, and help to you will flow; Peace like a river will succeed, And God the hungry soul will feed. Sound an alarm on mountain high, The soul that sinneth, it shall die; Turn to the Lord before too late, Enter ye in at the straight gate. Awake poor sinner from your sleep, Or you'll have cause to mourn and weep, Turn, says God, "for why will ye die," Harvest is past, many will cry. Labor for meat that will endure, Keep your garments spotless and pure: Without faith, God you cannot please, Exercise this, vou'll be at ease. SERMONS IN VERSE 15 There shall be a handful of corn in the earth; upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon, and they of the city shall flour- ish like grass of the earth. Psalm 72, and lb verse. There shall be a handful of corn On top of mountains high; Like Lebanon, its fruit shall shake, Its fount shall never dry. Christ Jesus is the Hying force That moves the stream along; It wends its way in endless course: Redemption is its song. This handful is the chosen few That keep the narrow way; They water all like morning dew. Increasing ev'ry day. Just like that stone not made by hand. They soon will fill the earth; They're reaching out o'er sea and land, To dissipate the dearth. Thousands have never heard the word. That brings to life the dead; Grace to millions has not appeared. For whom Christ's blood was shed. Its fruit like Lebenon shall shake, And make all nations fear, 16 SERMONS IN VERSE And all their sinful ways forsake And to the Lord draw near. Like grass of earth cities shall grow And shed a hallowed light, And point to all the way to go, To shun the shades of night. Arise then sleeper from the dead, "And Christ shall give you light; " Follow him, in His footsteps tread, This leads to mansions bright. For the love of money is the root of all evil. 1st Timothy, 6th chapter and 10th verse. Rich feasts are spread by potent kings, For noble men and great, But true contentment never springs From rich displays of state. But money answereth all things, And is a good defense; It was not made alone for kings, But toil to recompense. Love of it causes some to steal. And perpetrate dark crimes; If rightly used it is true weal, In ours, and other climes. Of all evils it leads the van, And sinks the soul to holl; SERMONS IN VERSE 17 There is no power in feeble man, Its horrors all to tell. If rightly used and not abused, Sweet consolation brings; And heart and head are not confused With transitory things. Gold fills the world with every ill, And scatters ruin 'round; Men strive their coffers all to fill, Nor heed the gospel eound. Your gold will canker in the end, It cannot save your soul; If Jesus will not be your friend, You never can be whole. Use moderation in all things, So reads the great command; You'll have no cause to envy kings, But will forever stand. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. First Cor., 16 chapter, 13 verse. The command to all is watch and pray, Walk circumspectly every day; Watch, for you know not the hour when The son of man will come again. Whether at midnight or a f > noon, To all. the coming will be soon; 18 SERMONS IN VERSE By grace prepared is best of all, Thus equipped, you will never fall. With your loins girt with truth you'll stand. By faith you'll view the promised land. And take in all the landscape o'er. Where rivers of life ever flow. Come out to the help of the Lord, Come boldly, and with one accord; Mighty foes are now in the field, Come armed with buckler, sword and shield. Come in the strength of God on high, Resolve to conquer or to die; Carnal weapons will never win, Over the mighty hosts of sin. Spiritual weapons alone. Can overthrow old Satan's throne: Use these then, in every fight, And prayer will keep your armor bright. Be strong for Christ, the mighty King, And incense to His alter bring; If we do right He's on our side, And for our wants He will provide. Watch, stand fast in the faith, be strong.' Quit you like men, and press along:. Press toward the mark for the prize Reserved for all the pure and wise. SEKMoNvS IN VERSE 19 And we know that all things work together for i, r ood to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans, 8th chapter, 28th verse, To him who does his duty here, There is no need for doubt and fear; Trust God and obey His command, If you wish long life in the land. God's call is to every one, To the old as well as the young; He wills not that any should die. And He is salvation's supply. To love the Lord as all men should, Insures the promise to the good; Our God is always wide awake, And never will His own forsake. To repentance in His first call, Believe in Christ you'll never fail; He purposes men's souls to save From terrors of the sinner's grave. To love God with heart, mind and soul, Outweighs burnt offerings of old; The kingdom to all such is near, 'Perfect love casteth out all fear. 8eek Him who made the seven stars, Orion, Jupiter and Mars; 20 SERMONS IN VERSE Makes the day dark with shades of night. Turns the shadow of death to light. The Lord Jehovah is His name, In all ages He is the same; Seek Him then while He may be found, With your heart, mind and soul profound. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O, Lord i n the morning- will I direct my prayer unto thee, ; and will look up. Psalm 5:3. How sweet to wake at early morn, With spirits bright from conscience born. To hail the day with thankfulness, With soul made free from all distress. As morning rises let us sing The praises of our wondrous King, Who gives us all we have below; From whom our blessings all must flow. He sends showers of blessings down, To cheer in country, or in town; Let all behold His holy hill, Look up, and worship with a will. Let thankfulness dwell in your heart. And from His law let none depart; His law is perfect and will stand, While man's is naught but sinking sand. SERMONS IN VERSE 21 That law obeyed the soul is saved, No more to sin will be enslaved; If Christ once sets the captive free, He'll live to all eternity. O, Lord, mayest thou our voice hear. Each morning of the passing year; Not only this, but for all time, May matins sweet forever chime. To Thee our prayers we will direct, No morning will we this neglect; No other name on earth can save Feeble man from the sinner's grave. Let all the world in chorus sing, The praises of our Mighty King, Who rules the world with truih and grace, And for man is a hiding place. Help us morn, noon and night to pray. And glorify thy name each day ; And when our pilgrimage is done, Mav we be heirs to three in one. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning-, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Solomon's song-, 5th chapter and 10th verse. She looketh forth as the morning, Translucent like the moon: 22 SERMONS IN VERSE Her rays the landscape adorning, Bright shining as the noon. In the wilderness was planted And blossomed like the rose; Her members have not recanted, But rest in sweet repose. Her neck is like David's tower, Presents a lovely view; Her strength increases ev'ry hour, As nothing else can do. Her basement is the solid Rock On which the structure stands: No scheme of man's can ever shock This boon of favored lands. Her banners float upon the breeze, Terrible to behold; Her beacon shines among the trees As pure as Ophir's gold. Christ is the bridegroom, she the bride. No terrors can her shake; She nobly stems the current tide, Leaves glory in her wake. No tongue nor pen of man can tell How high her glory reigns, She triumphs over death and hell, And all the earth sustains. SERMONS IN VERSE The pillar and ground of the truth, A monument she stands; Possessed of all the dews of youth, And heeds the Lord's commands. Ye are the lig-htof the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew, 5th chapter and 14th verse. Christians are the light of the world, Their life cannot be hid; Their banner to the breeze unfurl. They walk as they are bid. By sinners they are known and read, They point the way to all; Their works live after they are dead, And to repentance call. Christians are the salt of the earth. Seasoned by grace divine; They have obtained the second birth, To God their hearts incline. They walk in wisdom to all without The pale of sacred truth; They cry aloud and shout Repent, both age and youth. They are a city on a hill, Their acts open to all; 24 SERMONS IN VERSE A noble mission here they fill, And to all sinners call. Let not the salt its savor loose, But strive to grow in grace; The King's highway may all flesh choose, And win the Christian's race. Love God with heart, mind and soul. Trophies spread at His feet; He'll succor you when you are old, And make your life complete. And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Rev.; 12:7-8. In heaven once a war occurred. Satan in martial pomp appeared; He led one-third of heaven's host: And hoped a victory to boast- His aspiration and his pride Both rendered him dissatisfied; In sides of North to take his seat, He thought to make conquest complete. Ascend above the stars of God And rule the heavens with his rod; Boasting, "I'll be like the Most High," But soon in sad defeat did fly. SERMONS IN VERSE 25 For Michael, the Mighty King, O'er heaven's battlements did fling This haughty boaster with his crew, And down to earth the rebels flew. At the sides of the awful pit, Forever fallen, now they sit; Too late their rashness they bemoan, Hopeless, deathless, o'er earth to roam. Narrowly looked upon by all From high heaven, Oh, what a fall! No more to reach the pearly gate — They've fallen from their high estate. Now up and down, and to and fro, Through earth and air they ever go To down all the human race — With rapid speed they move apace. Now, hell for them is opened wide, And soon God's judgment they'll abide: Be doomed, on earth no more to roam, They'll reap the harvest they have sown. Let old and young good counsel take, And all their sinful ways forsake; No more be led by satan's wiles, Who leads, and all the world beguiles. But trust in Christ the chieftan grand, Who reigns supreme in Beuiah land; 26 SERMONS IN VERSE May He in all our hearts abide And land us safe on Canaan's side. Where we may praise forever more The matchless Battle-King of yore, Who supplies our every need, Who for our souls did groan and bleed. Was ever love compared to this, To die for others 7 bliss? An all atoning sacrifice, That all the human race might rise- For other foundation can no man Jay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Cor., 3d chapter and 11th verse. To build on hay, wood or stubble, Is not considered wise; Soon or late it brings on trouble, And causes sacrifice. The man who builds on sinking sand, Should nothing good expect: For good foundations, that will stand, Wise man on rock erect. For winds will blow and floods will come, These test the buildings all; The good will stand, no damage done, The bad are sure to fall. SERMONS IN VERSE The wise dig deep and spare no pains, Good foundations to lay; They dread the storms and pelting rains, That often come their way. Thoughtless mortals will take no pains, Have eyes and do not see; Unprepared for the floods and rains, Sustain great injury. Other foundation none can lay, Than Jesus Christ, the Lord; He is the life, the truth, the way, The bright incaraate word. The solid Rock on which to build, A structure that will stand; A building that the earth shall gild, And this will never strand. Let ev'ry soul on Him rely, And build his hopes for peace; He can the wants of all supply, His reign will never cease. He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. John, 3d chapter and 33d verse. The natural man has no God, He is an alien born ; 28 SERMONS IN VERSE He is like the unbroken sod. Not ready for the corn, The word is foolishness to Him, He cannot comprehend, The overwhelming force of sin, Nor he himself amend. The word alone can give him sight, To see just where he stands: The spirit leads him into light, He loves the Lord's commands. Spiritual discernment gains By grace divine conferred; He praises God in joyous strains, Since light to him appeared. The testimony of God received, The soul is filled with joy; All is glory since he believed, Praises his tongue employ. The dead's alive, the lost is found, The blind man now can see; Salvation is the joyful sound, I am from sin set free. The seal is set. he knows God's true Since he is born again; All things appear divinely new He sings a sweet refrain. SERMONS IN VERSE 29 < )n wings of love he soars along, His raptures are complete; Jesus is his soul-stirring song. His heart with love's replete. And the fame of Him went out into every place of the country round about. Luke, 4th chapter and 37th verse . The winds His mighty voice obey, The waves are hushed and still; No one on earth in such a way, Could such a mission fill. In Him the God-head fully dwells, His power has no bound; Above, below, in both excells, None like him can be found. Turns water into sparkling wine, At feast of Gallilee; It beat that made from grapes of vine It was a jubilee. His mission was to save the lost, For them to shed His blood; To redeem man at such a cost, Of tears deserves a flood. The deaf hear, lame walk, the blind see The dead to life are brought; 30 SERMONS IN VERSE Prisoners, too, are all set free, The way of truth is taught. Devils cry out when Christ they^see We know Thee who thou art We've known the from eternity, Pray now from us depart. In doing good He spent His;days, Prayed more than any man; His glory crowned His works and,ways. He laid salvation's plan. Tongue can't express, norjjpen depict, The good that He has done: Nothing can His power restrict. He is the Three in One. The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jeremiah, 8th chapter and 20th verse. Seed time and harvest shall last, Till the loud trumpet blow: Death to millions is coming'Jfast, Erelong all flesh must go. Harvest is ready >ow to reap, Laborers should begin, To gather in the precious wheat, Into the landlord's bin. SKRMONS IN VKRSE 3l Summer will soon be past and gone, Just gather in the sheaves; The autumn days are coming on, And frost will strip the trees. Winter of death hastens apace, The grave is opened wide; [f summer ends without God's grace, Hope's lost beyond the tide. We are not saved, will be the cry, Of millions sinking down; We've lost a home beyond the sky, We sink beneath God's frown. Today salvation's free to all, Now if you'll hear His voice; Obey at once the gospel call, And make the wisest choice. Delay not a moment longer, Now's the accepted time; Faith deferred will grow no stronger, Strike for that better clime. A region that outshines the sun, A city of delight; Where joy begins, is never done. And there's no noon nor night. Now do not let the harvest pass, Nor let the summer end; 32 SERMONS IN VERSE Remember now all flesh is grass And quick your ways amend. Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call on Him while He's near; Heed now the gospel's charming sound, And lend a list'ning ear. He'll save you from an endless death. He'll give you grace divine, Then praise His name while you have breath, And to His ways incline. Think of Him whom angels carried To Abraham on high; Think of Him whose life miscarried. Who must forever die. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? Gallatians 4th chapter and 16th verse. Truth is mighty and will prevail, It cannot be suppressed; It glides along, with flowing sail, Of jewels is the best. "Truth crushed to earth will rise again," Repress it v hen you please; No power of earth will break its reign, It rides upon the seas. It guides to fields of endless rest, And never will mislead; SERMONS IN VERSE It is an emblem of the blest, Bright gem of earth indeed. Heavenly Master, show us the way, That we may walk therein; Was asked of Christ, the Lord, one day, By men exposed to sin. I am the way, the truth, the life, Let all men follow me; If they would shun the snares of strife And be from sin set free. I, Jesus, am the King's highway, Wayfaring men though fools; In this can never go astray, These are eternal rules. Life and death, before all are set, Each one is bid to choose; Believe says "Truth," and don't forget 'Tis death if you refuse; Lay hold on Christ the shining way, He says "Why will you die?" Will you come while it's called today, And gain a mansion high? 34 SERMONS IN VERSE And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Luke. 3d chapter and 9th verse. Here men are compared to the trees, Of the fruit bearing kind; But chilling blasts the buds oft freeze, And then no fruit you'll find. The husbandman his trees must farm, As well as corn and rice, And see that they sustain no harm, But keep them clean and nice. Thoughtless men like uncultured land, Will no fruit ever yield; They build their house upon the sand, And barren is their field. The tree that bears no fruit must fall, The axe lies at its base; It matters not how grand or tall, This soon will be its case. The fruit of the spirit men need, To make them heirs of grace; With it they will the hungry feed, And win the Christian's race. IThe man who bears no fruit for good, Why cumbers he the ground? SERMONS IN VERSE 35 Although his castle long has stood, Justice says cut him down. But mercy leads, Christ intercedes, The spirit bids him come; But sin his stubborn will impedes, His race will soon be run. Without a change the soul is lost, The heart must be reuew'd; Vain man, pray stop and count the cost, And quit the course pursued. Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble. Job, 14th chapter and 1st verse. Man that is of a woman born, Is of few days and oft forlorn; If something thinks himself to be, He is deceived, for naught is he. He cometh forth like a flower, Whose life is ebbing ev ; ry hour, His destiny's not long to stay, Like early dews he'll pass away. To his long home he soon must go. And leave this world of sin and woe; To fields of rest and perfect peace, Or where torments will never cease. 36 SERMONS IN VE1 How careful then ought he to be, To use his time for liberty, Eternity! unbounded space; Each day is rushing on apace. Realities must soon be tried, And God's laws must be satisfied; Our days spent as a tale that's told, Before we think we're growing old. Ripe days should speak and wisdom teach, And men should practice what they preach; Labor to enter into rest, That still remains for all the blest. God's grace is seen in works and ways. The man who has it always praya; He sheds his light to all around, He loves to hear the" gospel sound. Let those who have no God now think, They stand on endless ruin's brink; Without a change the die is cast, Their souls will wake in hell at last. Ask and it shall be g-'tven you: Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Math, 7th. chap, and 7th. vs. All scripture is true, nor fails to do, Just what it says it will; SERMONS IN VERSE In olden times this fact men knew, And maay know it stili. It opens up the light to all, It shows the narrow way; It bids all ask and on Him call, Who will repent and pray. Those who seek Him v*ill always find, No one is turned away; His grace He gives to all mankind, Who from the heart will pray. The door of mercy's opened wide, The gate now stands ajar, Rise up, then, with the swelling tide And bring your gifts from afar. Seek, then, you'll find, ask, you'll receive, The gift of God on high; When with the heart you do believe, You never will then die. Fly wide, ye everlasting gates, Rise up eternal doors; A sinner at the entrance waits No one shall him oppose. He knocks and opened it shall be, Because I heard his knock; His soul this day I will set free, I am the solid Rock. 38 SERMONSlIN VERSE Heaven and earth shall pass away. My^word shall always stand; Follow me and you'll never stray, I rule on sea an^ land. And they sing- the song- of Moses, the servant "of God, and the song - of the Lamb, saying great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almig-hty^ljust and true are thy ways, thou Kin^r of Saints. Rev. 15 ch. 3d vs. The song of Moses and the Lamb, The angels could not sing; None but the seed of Abraham, Could make the welkin ring. Their notes were thrilling to the soul, Powerful and sublime; Sweet echoes rang from pole to pole, Such music is divine. Songs of free grace and dying love. Still cheer the broken heart; The strains are caroled high above, And sweet comfort impart. Speak to yourselves in hymns and songs In strength and grace you'll grow, This power to all flesh belongs, And this they all well know. SERMONS IN VERSE 19 His words are marvelous and great, His power knows no bound; He stands at head of church and State, Proclaims the gospel sound. Waters measures in mighty hand, Mountains are weighed in scales; And these all bow to His command, Through boundless space he sails. His mighty hand all ether spans, On wings of wind he walks; His roaring winds the nation fans, In thunders loud He talks. Worlds spring to view at His command, He speaks, the work is done; Naught before his power can stand, He does all through His Son. I thought on try ways, and turned my feet unt« thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Psalm 119 and 59 and GOth, verses. How many mortals pause and think?, Though death is drawing near, Xo more will God at sinners wink, The way he has made clear. 40 * SERMONS IN VERSE The man who thinks upon his ways, Will to the Lord return; He sees how vile have been his days. Nor will the gospel spurn. Thoughtless men alone will perish. The truth they do not heed; Glad tidings they do not cherish, But go their way with speed. Their way is right in their own eyes, Like Felix, ' 'Go thy way;" They say, and never will be wise, \ For still they go astray. Unto God's law then turn your feet, No longer now delay; Christ now waits at the mercy seat, To show to all the way. Make haste and all commandments keep. Like David did of old; That you may be a chosen sheep, And enter in the fold. Before all life and death is set, Now wisely make your choice: Salvation you never can get, Unless vou hear His voice. SERMONS IN VERSE 41 Now think and act with all your might, While it is called today; Remember soon will come the night, And past will be the day. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Thesaloo- ians, 5th ch. 22d verse. Let your light so shine before men, That they your works may see; And glorify the Father then When your good deeds they see. Precept does well, example too, Use bofh for others good; And when you've done what you can do, You have the world withstood. Others will follow in your wake, And do as you have done; Do what you can for Jesus' sake. Who is the Holy One, Evil will come, but pass it by, Eschew it till your death; Lift up your heart to God on high, Praise Him while you have breath. Be sober, careful, watch and pray, A good example set; 42 SERMONS IN VERSE And show poor sinners all the way To die without regret. Do to others just as you would That they should do to you; This fills the law just as it should, And gives to all their due. Seek the good, from evil abstain, And its appearance shun; You'll grow in grace and firm remain, When all your work is done. Trust in Jsues, on Him rely, A help in time of need; He will every want supply, If you to truth give heed. So the last shall be first: and the first last, for many be called, but few chosen. Math 20th ch. 16 vs. So the last shall be first, and the first last For many be called, and but few chosen; Remember the summer will soon be past, The earth by winter will then be frozen. The man that went in at the eleventh hour, Received from the husbandman just the same; SERMONS INVERSE 43 Because he worked with more zeal and power; And these never failed to give men a name. Many go in and butlittle work do, Such men, sometimes will grumble at their pay; We have toiled andpaboredfthe whole day through And get nothingfmore than others they say." "Did I not give airi promised to give," If I am good, why find fault of me then?' This power all men may have while they live, They know how to give, and they know just when. Life's brilliant day will soon be past and gone, Death lingers not the hour is coming fast; To every one this doom is coming on, And no man knows which one will be his last. The chosen few will be a little flock, Saved from sin by power of grace divine The schemes of men[and devils cannot shock This band, whenJJesus says, 'mow you are mine- 44 SERMONS IN VERSE All that call upon the name of the Lord, Shall be saved, if the call comes from the heart; Let sinners all unite with one accord, For heaven and glory this day to start. Now broad is the way and wide is the gate, That leads to destruction, sorrow and death, The incorrigible will reap this fate, When earth they leave at date of parting breath. But God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of the: then whose shall those thing's be, which thou hast provided. Luke 12th. chap 20th. Men are prone to love the world, For gain their banners unfurl; Greed chokes the impulse for good, And desire is not withstood. The parable folly shows, Of man who to ruin goes; New barns builds, lays up in store, If not content desires more. Soul take thine ease, with joy cries, I have plenty to suffice For all wants and comforts here, To be merry every year. SERMONS IN VERSE 45 Man to himself proposes. ™ But God in turn disposes; Thou fool rings out on the air, This night blasts your prospects fair. To night your soul is required, All is lost that you desired; Joy and comfort both are gone. Better had you not been born. Lay not up treasures down here, Fot judgement will ^oon appear: Earthly treasures fade away, 1 1 The true gold will not decay. It has been tried in the fire, "Tis the best wealth to acquire; This gold is bought without price, Purchase then, tis God's advice. Give your heart to God on high, Then use faith, He'll draw you nigh: Things below are naught but dross, The soul is the greatest loss. Because I have called and ye refused: I hate stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity: I will mock when your fear cometh. Prov. 24 and 25. Salvation's free to ev ; ry one, Who on the Lord will call; 46 SERMONS IN VERSE He gives it through His risen Son, He has enough for all. In nowise one will he cast out Who calls on him for aid; Let all flesh rejoice, pray and shout, For the atonerment made. Today His arms are stretched out wide, He beckons all to come; Behold His hands and wounded side, There's room for ev'ry one, I have called and you have refused, You would not heed reproof; But all my goodness have abusod, And still you stand aloof. In all the past I've loudly called, To save the dying crowd; To rescue those by sin entralled, In accents deep and loud. And now the call rings out today, Hearken to God's voice; He is the life, the truth, the way, Make him your happy choice. Choose now no longer make delay, Your life is ebbing fast; Your last fond call may be today, Tomorrow hopes be past. SERMONS IN VERSE The wicked will be trampled down. From sorrow's cup they'll quaff; God on their souls in wrath will frown, And at their terrors laugh. How sad to hear the word depart " From hope and joy and peace! To dwell in regions foul and dark, Where wailings never cease. The righteous into bliss will go, Where joy and peace abound: A region where no grief or woe, Will ever there be found. The land with milk and honey flows, The tree of life is there; There all is joy and sweet repose, The soul is free from care. For if a man think himself to be something when he is nothing-, he deceiveth himself. Gallations 6th chap and 3rd. vs. Man at his best estate is nought, A frail mortal is he; If he would think just as he ought. This fact he'd plainly see. Depends on God for ev'ry thing Without Him cannot live, 48 SERMONS IN VERSE And from Him all his comforts spring, His thanks to Him should give. Though monarch of all he surveys. Chief ruler of the earth; Laid in the balance, nothing weighs A pigmy from his birth. A drop of a bucket is he, Compared to God on high; A small plant compared with a tree, That reaches t o the sky. The nations are grasshoppers small, Too little to behold, By Him who rules and governs all, And gave to man his soul. Now vain man think how small you are. And lay aside your pride; What can you do that will compare, To him who rules the tide. Your pride before destruction goes, And soon must have a fall; And you'll be doomed to endless woes, Too late on God to call. Awake, now's the accepted time. Then make your call today; Arm yourself and fall into line, And keep the King's highway. SERMONS IN VERSE 49 The Lrorci is my Shepherd, I shall not waut. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalms 23 — 1 and 2. The good sheppard cares for the sheep, And guards them night and day; He knows just how the watch to keep. That none may go astray. He makes them in green pastures lie, And leads to waters still; Of food and drink he keeps supply, And feeds them to their fill. The Shepherd by the sheep is known, They recognize his voice; They follow him, they are his own, They want no other choice. The good Shepherd his life will give, To save his sheep from death; He does not care longer to live, If of his flock bereft. Christ the good Shepherd ioved his sheep, And loved them to the end; Laid down His life His flock to keep, And proved the sinner's friend. Man for his friend might dare to die. But Christ His love commends For He decended from on high, For enemies to make amends. 50 SERMONS IN VERSE For such love let all the world combine, In chorous loud and shrill: And branches praise the fruitful Vine And praise Him with a will. Words can't express, tongue cannot tell, How high His glory reigns; He triumphed over death and hell. And bound pale death in chains. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I win build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Math. 16. 18, vs. Other foundations none can lay, The church of Christ to build; For Jesus is the truth, the way; It rests upon his will. Who is a rock save Christ above? He's the chief corner stone; Alone He is the God of love, Nor builds on flesh and bone? He is the stone in Zion laid, His church upon it stands; Because all things through Him were made And molded by his hands. SERMONS IN VERSE * - 51 Not to Peter did He allude, He was man, not a rock; Unto Himself we may conclude Bright germ of heavens stock. Feeble man at his best estate? When in the balance weighed; Is vanity and nothing great, Nor has on earth long staid. As the morning, the church still grows. And gathers strength each day; Peter has gone to his repose, The solid Rock will stay. The nations all should trust the Lord, And on His grace rely; Believe His truth accept His word, He will their wants supply. Christ never built on sinking sand, He built on truth profound; The fabric stands in ev'ry land, And spreads the gospel sound. Come; for all thing-s are now ready, Last part of 171 verse 14th chapter Luke. God's invitations are complete, And all alike he calls; 52 SERMONS IN VERSE With His still small voice lowland sweet. As strong as Jasper walls. Come ye that labor in distress Take upon you his yoke; The yoke is easy your soul He'll bless, He never does provoke. All things are ready, why not come? And taste the feast prepared; There yet is room for ev'ry one, By Satan not ensuared. Come unto me, 111 come to you, I'm ready all the day; The eyes that see can plainly view, The error of your way. Life and death before you are set. Come while it's called today; Come forward now and don't forget, There's danger in delay The "comes" are all unto the lost. For such He came to seek. And with His life He paid the cost, For all His straying sheep. Together let us reason now. Together let us plead; Listen to me I'll show you how, To get just what you need. SERMONS IN VERSE 53 In Me is life and joy and bliss. Just seek and you shall find. The pearl which many persons miss, Because their eyes are blind. I am the living- bread which came down irom heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, whieh I will give for the life of the world. St. John 6th chapter and 51st vs. * i Labor not for perishing meat, This will not feed the soul; Christ is the bread all men should eat, T'is this that makes them whole. The mortal life manna sustains But does not feed the soul; Death to the eaters still remains, As was in times of old. Eat ye that which is good and live Is heavens high command; Jesus alone this food can give, He keeps the same on hand. Who eats this food will never die. For it is meat indeed; It lifts the soul to worlds on high A help in time of need. 54 SERMONS IN VERSE My flesh is spiritual bread, And brings the dead to life; Let all eat this and nothing dread, It is the cure for strife. My blood too, is drink indeed, A cure forev'ry ill; By*it the soul from guilt is freed, And learns the Master's will. Who drinks His blood and eats His flesh. Will live forevermore; 'Like morning dew these will refresh; They lead to Canann's shore. He is the fount of life and love, That down from heaven came; A perfect gift from God above. And He's always the same. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 2d chapter and 26th vs. of James. Without faith God we cannot please. Without it men are lost; For man's poor soul there is no ease, Stop here, and count the cost. Through faith alone grace is received Into the humble heart; SERMONS IN VERSE 55 Through it, also men have believed. For heaven made the start. I'll show my faith by what I do, I'll work while I have strength, I'll trust to work to bring me through. I will succeed at length. Without works vain man, faith is dead It cannot stand alone; Together they will move ahead, And for all else atone. Show me thy faith without thy works, By works I'll show you mine Without it man his duty shirks, It's so in any clime. Add to your faith as God commands, Virtue and knowledge too; Godliness He also demands, Patience will help you through. Temperance too will give you aid, Charity light your way; Let all your hopes on Christ be staid And watch as well as pray. Faith hope, and charity will live, Till Time shall pass away; Charity God alone can give This lives to endless day. SERMONS IN VERSE And God said, Let there be light: and light. Genesis first chapter and 3rd. verse. Let there be light and forth it came, Obeyed the great command. That eloquence was like a flame, It lighted all the land. Powers that speak worlds into view, From chaos bring to light; They do the work none else can do, And what they do is right. Man can not an atom create, A worm of dust is he; When taken at his best estate, He's nought but vanity. His ignorance is vast and deep, His folly well defined; His ease he takes, but is asleep. By Satan he's confined. By him led captive at his will, He shrewdly takes him in; Without God's help he'll lead him stilf Author of death and sin. Outside of grace he has them all , His prison's always full; He opens not his house at all. Seeks others in to pull. SERMONS IN VERSE Mankind have eyes but can not see, How well he spreads his net; He makes men think that they are free, And will his millions get. Natural men cannot withstand, The magic of his wiles; All such he rules on sea or land, g Their silly souls beguiles. Where upon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morm- ing stars sang together; and all the Sons of God shouted for joy? Job 6th and 7th verses. God in his mysterous way, !'' Has had everything well done; He made the night as well as day, All these in order run. His questions made Job stand aghast, For answer he had none; They were repeated thick and fast, And soon the work was done. He stretched the line upon the earth, The deep foundation laid; The morning stars sang at its birth To God their homage paid. 58 SERMONS IN VERSE A mighty shout for joy went up While there in chorus sang No power of man could interrupt It was Jehovah's plan. Job did not deign to make reply, But stood, amazed with fear; While mighty works of God on high Before his eyes appear. I've heard of thee in days of old, By hearing of the ear; None can their thoughts from Thee withhold Thy name all flesh should fear. Could all men see Thee as they ought They would themselves abhor; They'd know that they at best were naught, And would no honor draw. flow small is man, what can he do? Dependent all the while: The Lord alone can bring him through He's in a desert wild. Job was a righteous godly man, Few such on earth were found; His patience laid for all the plan, Of doctrine safe and sound. The power God to Satan gave, Was wonderful to tell; SERMONS IN VERSE 59 He would have sent him to hisgrave, But God does all things well. When God speaks satan will obey, His life you shall not take; I've need for him another day I'll save him for my sake. Now father help us to revere, Thy great and holy name; We know thou dwellest ev'rywhere, And always art the same. And so will I'go into the King,"which is not iac- cording to thee: and if I perish, I perish. Esther 4th chapter and part of 16th verse. Of fair women in days of old, Queen Esther led the van; She was wise, prudent, good and bold. Made success of her plan. Twas death by law for one to go If ho received no call; Queen Esther went but did not know The fate that would befall. The king his sceptre did extend; To his majestic queen; And she was saved obtained her end. Amid the royal scene. 60 SERMONS IN VERSE A noble and heroic deed, To save the Jews from death; Her life for once she did not heed, She went with rapid breath. If she went, she her life would lose, Heroic was the deed; If not, 'twas death to all the Jews, The day drew nigh with Speed. The palace at Sushan was grand, Gold glittered on the throne; With golden Sceptre in his hand He ruled more states than Rome. The King of kings bids all draw nigh, His sceptre's free to all; He turns off none who will apply, And Daily makes His call. No respecter of persons is He. For He created all; The lame, the halt, the bond the free, Each one receives the call. Approach God's throve He'll cast out none His love will never cease; Salvation's work will not be done, Till all the world's at peace. SERMONS IN VERSE 61 I beheld till the thrones wer cast clown, and the Ancient of days did sit whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool: Daniel 7th chapter, and 9th, and 10th verses. Here Daniel saw the end of time Which nigher draws each day; The end will soon be yours and mine, We have not long to stay. God gives all time to seek His grace, Who good and evil know; He is felt in every place, Wherever it may go. All flesh will see the wondrous sight, Which OaniePs vision saw; To some it will be a delight, To others death by law. With garments white as drafted snow, Hair of head like pure wool; 'Tis he who lives for evermore, That makes this wondrus show- His throne was like a fi'ry flame, His wheels like burning fire He comes in great Jehovah's name, In all the pomp of ire. A fi'ry stream before Him came, 'Twas awful to behold; r>2 SERMONS IN VERSE While thousands praised his wondrus name, Of Him by men foretold. Judgement set, and opened were books, Ancient of days did sit: While millions stand with anxious looks And to their doom submit. The saved are those who had no mark, Of beast on foreheads writ; The deeds of lost were gross and dark, For heaven were unfit. Through tribulations many came Their robes were washed in blood; Of Him who from old Teeman came, Walked on wind, rode the flood. This wondrous eight we all 6hall see, The time is near at hand; The saints will be forever free, And will forever stand. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated , full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and hy- pocrisy. Jas. 3d chapter and 17th verse. The wisdom of earth will pass away, Just like the morning cloud: SERMONS IN VERSE 63 It s strength is small and cannot stay, Although it thunders loud. It leads away from God above, It strives for earthly gain; For God and truth it has no love, In darkness will remain. But that which comes down from above, Is from a fountain pure; The offspring of the savior's love And allways endure. "T'is peaceable, gentle and kind, And of a sober thought, Does no wrong you will always find, It never has been bought. Gentle, eaisly entreated, Majestic moves along; Never has it been defeated, Becanse its Author's strong. k 'Tis full of mercy and good fruits, Works in the open light; It's teaching ail the wise men suits, And keeps their armor bright. No partiality it shows Treats all flesh just tne samer And full of mercy no wrong knows. Its conduct knows no shame. 64 SERMONS IN VERSE Hypocrisy is never known, To mar its onward flight, Nothing uproots th« good seed sovrn, It moves apace with might. And Elisha Sent a messenger unto him, saying Go and and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to Thee, and thou shall be clean. Second Kings 5th chapter and 10th verse. A little girl a captive too, Who then with Naaman staid; Told him plainly how he should do. And need not be afraid. Go to the man of God who will Your odious ills expell; For all such missions he can fill, His God does all things well. He went, was by th* prophet told, Jordan would make him clean; In rage he left the Seer old, And thought that he was mean. But prudent men were in his crowd, Who said wash, and be clean; And to their voices shrill and loud, Gave heed and changed the scene. SERMONS IN VERSE 65 To Jordan's bank they now proceed, Into the flood he rushed; Dipped seven times with rapid speed, Came out with glory flushed. His thankful heart then knew no bound, His transport was complete; Salvation too the great man found, To praise the Lord was meet. To obey beats any sacrifice That man to God can make; It is the prudent and the wise, Who will good counsel take. Now sinners, all you have to do, m To win a golden crown; Just obey what's commanded you, This brings the blessings down. And Elijah come unto all the people and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. First King's 18th ch. and 21st ver. Elijah to the people came, It was in Ahab's time; Whose deeds were full of sin and shame. Naboth's death crowned his crime. SERMONS IN VERSE His counseller was Jezebel, A fiendish witch was she; She led him straight to gates of hell, And endless misery. How long now will our people halt, Between opinions two, How long serve the world for naught, Their sinful course pursue. Mammon and God you cannot serve, Two masters can't obey; Praises for one you will observe, And with that one will stay. Israel's God answered by fire, That licked the water up; Burnt beast and stones in pomp of ire, And filled the heathen's cup. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Nor pause to stop and think; The ways of God and truth observe, You stand on ruin's brink. In no wise will he one cast out, Who humbly seeks His grace; He"ll make the soul rejoice and shout, And win the Christian's race. No longer halt but come just now, And give your heart to God; SERMONS IN VERSE 67 He'll give you grace and teach you how To love His staff and rod. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring - lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, First Peter, 5th chap, and 8th and part of the 9th verse. Be sober; what a good command, To all the human race; It should always be kept on hand And in its proper place. Be vigilant, means watch with care And heed the gentle voice That bids all nations come and share, And make the wisest choice. Like a lion, old Satan prowls. And steals away men's hearts; We see his works and hear his howls, And view his fi'ry darts. At morning, midnight or at noon, His horrid work all see; He leads men to an endless doom, Of sin and misery. The drunkard's cup he keeps on hand. Drags many clown to hell; SERMONS IN VERSE He makes men build their hopes on sand Their souls for nought they sell. The world by him is captive led, Each one by him deceived; His guests are numbered with the dead. They never have believed. Resist him steadfast with your might, In faith now take your stand; Keep Jesus Christ always in sight. You'll gain the promised land. Before our God he cannot stand, No wonder he will flee; He hurled him down from Beulah land, To vast eternity. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4th chapter and last part of 4th verse. The carnal minds from God depart, They cannot bear his rule; His law's not written in their heart, They'r Satan's ready tool. To be carnally minded's death, Unless there is a turn; The soul will sink at parting breath, And will forever burn. SERMONS IN VERSE 69 To love the world is to hate Him Who made heaven and earth; And serve Satan the man of sin, An enemy from birth. He hates the entire human race, But knows how to ensnare; And lure men to that horrid place Of death and keen despair. If any man will love the world God's love is not in him; r Fo all that's good he is a churl, And deeply sunk in sin. Awake then sleeper and arise, Before it is too late; For death may take you by surprise, You'll miss the pearly gate. Then tarry not in all the plane, Nor think of looking back; Resolve no longer to remain Outside the living track. God dwells with the lowly and meek Guides them to endless day; Buoh alone Jesus came to seek, And lead them in the way. 70 SERMONS IN^VERSE Saying - , where is He that inborn King - k of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. Matt. 2d chap, and 2d verse. The sun, moon, and stars, shed their light, On all the worlds around; The sun is a luminary bright, Its equal can't be found. It lights all things on sea and land, Its rays are dazzling bright, Its gentle beams are in demand, For heat as well as light. The moon and stars now'in their turn. Dispel ihe shades of night. Like modest lamps they lowly burn, And make the heavens^bright. Where is He born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star: To worship Him, we freely choose, And we have come from far. Bethlehem's star surpasses all Lights of heaven or earth; It is to man the Lord of all That gives him second birth. It is the bright and morning star. That sheds its rays divine; Adored by men now ev'r\ where. In songs and hymns sublime. SERMONS IN VERSE No ray of star on earth will dawn, With this one to compare; Poor man was hopeless and forlorn, Until he saw this star. It fills the earth with rays benign, It covers land and sea; Of all the worlds the great iJivine, Who lives eternally. We have seen His star in the east, Inviting all to him; Let all then hasten to the feast, And shun the ranks of sin. The gospel feast is now prepared, Spirit and bride say come; Let nothing your progress retard, There's room for ev'ry one. Time's cycles still may roll their round, This star will always reign, Eternity its praise will sound, The Lamb for sinners slain. Let all things high, low, wide and deep, This wondrous star adore; It wakes the dead from drowsy sleep, It rose to set no more. 72 SERMONS IN VERSE For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puttethdown One, and setteth up another. For in the hand ot the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture: and He poureth out of the same; but the dreg's thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring- them out and drink them. Psalm 75th and 6th, 7th and 8th verses. Promotion comes neither from east, West, north nor from the south; Let wise, noble, greatest and least, Heed the words of His mouth. But God is the Judge, who presides, Some men He »vill put down; Between the good and bad decides, They fear His dreadful frown. The good He will set up on high, To dwell in mansions bright; The bad for aid will loudly cry, But sink to endless night. In His strong hand there is a cup, Of mixture it is full; The good from this will freely sup, And for salvation pull. The red wine which is pure and good, He pours out for His own; SERMONS IN VERSE 73 The mixture long with Him has stood, And by Him is well known. The dregs are also in the cup. And soon will be rung out; The wicked all shall drink them up, God has brought this about. God promotes those who wisely act, And keep His ways with fear; This is indeed a solemn fact, And one that all should hear. God wills that none on earth should die, But, rather all should live; Without money bids all to buy ; Now strict attention give. Kow don't forget, dregs will be left, And some one r ill them wring; Many of joy will be bereft. No song of Zion sing. Now say "I will arise and go, ? ' And make the upward start, There is yet room for many more, God will His grace impart. The invitation is to all, Who will the word obey; Come or you may forever fall , Why not then come today? 74 SERMONS IN VERSE For this is the love of God, that we keep His com- mandments: and His commandments ore not grievous. First John and 5th chap, and 3d verse. Commandments ten God gave to men. From Sinai's burning height; The earth with thunder was shaken then. The mountain clothed with light. Nothing dared touch the mountain, While the Lord from it spake, It seemed like a fi'ry fountain Made Moses fear and quake. These are to-day still in full force, Still have the dews of youth; They reach along in endless course, And warn both age and youth. First love the Lord with all your migth, And give to Him your heart; Dont covet or steal in His sight, Nor from His law depart. No mortal eye the Lord has seen, How can man show his love? There is a vale that hangs between. And hides the view above. Obedidnce to commandments all, Our love we thereby show; SERMONS IN VERSE 75 If this we pay we can not fall, Our loye will overflow. Laws are not grievous when obeyed Those coming from our Lord; For man's good they are all conveyed, And bring him a reward. May ev'ry soul inspired with love The Lord's commandments keep; And meet at last in bliss above, With all the chosn sheep. i change the ihefore before God, and the i.ord jesus chri.st, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kindom preach the word; be in- stant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doetine. All preachers should this charge obey, It is from God on high; It surely is the only way, To draw souls to the sky. The woad to God will not return, To Him, void of His will, And from the text all men should learn, His precepts to instill. It will accomplish His design, And prospor where he wills: 76 SERMONS IN VERSE Its holy impress is divine, The grandest mission fills. Is not my word like as a fire? Consuming all the dross; It fills the soul with, warm desire, True gold sustains no loss. This word like God will always last, It has the dews of youth; Judging the future by the past. We have abundant proof. Be instant in season and out, Reprove, rebuke, advise; Do ev'ry thing to bring about, The word before their ^yes. Powerful and quick that word has been. In all the ages past; Reproves the world of sin, And will while time shall last. Know then, that faith comes by hearing. And hearing by the word; Proclaim aloud, nothing fearing, It will convict when heard. The earth may shake, the mountains burn High waters sweep the earth; These never will a mortal turn, Nor cause a second birth. SERMONS IN VERSE The word must in the heart abide, And then the soul will live; God gives all power to decide, He alone, this can give. Let all the nations hear the word, For this can save the soul; On man this blessing was confered. Spread it, from pole to pole. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the! breast plate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. Romans 5th chapter and 8th verse. Moderation is firmly taught, In all things here below; That men should live just as they ought. And ev'ry wrong forego. Christians are likened to the day. They are the sons of light; They point to sinners all, the way That leads to mansions bright. Sobriety is strickly taught, In ev'ry walk of life; Be sober, live just as you ought r You will be free from strife. 78 . SERMONS IN VERSE Be sober, vigilant; and wise, Nor on yourself rely; Give faith and love free exercise, God will your wants supply. Breast plates of faith will never fail, When girded on with love. These through the roughest seas will sail, They come from God above. Faith, hope charity, these three combined, Will all man's wants supply; They form a shield that's silver-lined Will waft him to the sky. And for a helmet hope lays hold, And will salvation bring; It is an anchor to the sonl, Mounts up with rapid wing. Breast plate of faith, and crown of love Will grace the chosen few; Salvation's helmet from above Will like wise be their due. whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none up- on earth that i desire beside thee. Psalm 73th and25th verse. In heaven I have none but thee Thou art my all in all: SERMONS IN VERSE Without thee I no comfort see, On thee for aid I call. Thou art my song, morn, noon, or night; On tbee I med'tate; Thou art my shield and buckler bright, Thou art my whole estate. I'll sing thy praise while I have breath, To thee my all I owe; I'll trust thee in the hour of death, And love thee evermore. Thy name I'll write upon my heart; Never to be erased; Thy faithfulness I will impart, It cannot be effaced, In heaven Lord, thy dwelling place, Thou seest all below; Thou knowest all the human race, And when each one will go. On earth I desire none but thee, To guide my weary feet; Thou art the God of bond and free, Help me with thee to meet; Where parting will be known nomore Where glory ever reigns; To rest at last on Caanan's shore To praise with sweet refrains. 80 SERMONS IN VERSE To siug free grace and dying love, With those who've gone before; To dwell with Christ in bliss above. Exposed And be from sin set free. For we must needs die, and are aswater spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect and person; yet doth He devise means, that His baniseed be not expelled from Him. Second Samuel, 14th chap, and 14th. verse. We must needs die and turn to dust, The fiat has gone out; The young soon will, and the old must, For death is all about. Like water spilt upon the ground, Cannot be gathered up, Man's place will soon nowhere be found, He'll drain the bitter cup. He'll pay the debt that all must pay, His spirit goes to God; The living soon will pass away And sink beneath the sod. No respecter of men is He, All souls belong to Him; The good will live eternally Because they'r freed from sin. The bad will sink beneath God's frown, They passed the day of grace: 94 SERMONS IN VERSE Too late to pray when sinking*down They wrought their own disgrace. The means that our God has^devised, We know they cannot fail; We know they are well advertised And will always prevail. The banished seed of earth is great, Their numbers like the sand; Let all repent before too late, That they on Christ may stand. None but Jesus can sinners save, From sin's destructive end; He conquered death, hell and the grave, Ahd proved the sinner's friend. Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and in- struction, and understanding-. Proverbs 23d chap': and 23d verse . Truth on the market ought to sell, Each mortal here should buy; For people here can never tell. The depth of its supply. No better stock is kept in trade, Yet some are loth to buy; Better investments can't be made. No matt ^ * where you try. SERMONS IN VERSE 95 It is an attribute of God, The life, the truth, the way, It bids all come under His rod. And keep the King's highway. You should not sell it for reward, But buy it when you can; The fountain head is in the Lord, He sells to ev'ry man. He sells to all who wish to buy, And never makes a charge; Of gifts He has a full supply, And these He gives at large. Pilate once asked, "What is the truth?" The fountain was in view; Of ignorance, he thus made proof, As men are prone to do. Wisdom and instruction pursue, And gather in the gold; Let nought shut these out from your view, They'll comfort you when old. Understanding puts forth her voice, Inviting all to hear; And never fail to make the choice, That to our God draws near. % SERMONS' IN VERSE To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hid- den manna, and will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name witten, which no man knoweth sav- ing he that receiveth it. Rev. 2d chapt. & part of 17th verse . All should be faithful to the end, Continue in God's grace; Jesus will aid and comfort lend, To all who seek His face. Jesus the world has overcome, That we might manna eat; A gift denied never to one, Who will for it entreat. The hidden manna is His grace That fills the soul with joy; The cup runs over in life's race, And songs our souls enjoy. The stone He gives is white and pure. An emblem of His love; This emblem will always endure. And is laid up above. The name that is written therein The owner only knows; His soul has be^n rescued from sin. And now he finds repose. SERMONS IN VERSE 97 Let all mankind this white stone seek, And gain the hidden name; 'Tis for tl e lowly and the meek, And not for worldly fame. May all this white stone soon receive, By overcoming sin; And in our God steadfast believe, This precious jewel win. Just think how fast time moves apace, How soon the time will come; How short will be your earthly race, How soon your labors done. For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it. Isa. 28, 20. By good works some think they will be saved, And this thought is on their hearts en- graved; They trust their good deeds will bear them up, But without a change they'll sorrow sup. Man's righteousness is but filthy rags, Though of his virtues he loudly brags; By nature there is not one that's good, Neither could he be, although he would. 98 SERMONS IN VERSE He cannot stretch upon such a bed, It is too short, will not wake the dead; God's grace is gained by no works of man, It is free, which is salvation's plan. Many moral men perhaps are lost, They rely on self, don't count the cost, Publicans and harlots beat them in, Because they repent and cease from sin. Moralists you must lengthen your bed Or you will be numbered with the dead; m Death everlasting will be your doom Although in heaven there yet is room. It is good for men to quiet be, That they may both peace and comfort see; It is with the heart man must believe, Forms and ceremonies cannot relieve. Self righteousness is a narrow sheet, 'Twill not cover neither head nor feet; Leaves the soul exposed to wrath divine; Which will sink, and fail to be on time. Repentance and faith are in demand. In ours and in ev'ry other land; Without these our God we'll never please Without these our souls will find no ease. Let evr'y mortal lengthen his bed, By faith in Christ the federal head; SERMONS IN VERSE Widen his covering, truth embrace, Believe in Christ, be a child of grace. The great transaction will then be done, Man and his Savior will then be one; While cycles of eternity roll, They'll be one in heart, in mind, in soul. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold and pic- tures of silver. Proverbs 25 and 11. Keep the door of my lips, O Lord, That I may gain a great reward; And when I speak bridle my tongue, That I may instruct old and young. Words of Christ are apples of gold. Sweet to the taste, life to the soul; Fitly spoken, spirit and truth, Adorn old age, and build up youth. Golden apples that save the soul, Spread them broadcast from pole to pole, They are beauteous to behold, Free from dross alone the pure gold. The tree of life only, such bears, This fruit's obtained by sincere prayers; Those who eat will hunger no more, Their calling and election's sure. ■ i nil f L, 01 v. 100 SERMONS IN VERSE Now words fitly spoken like these, To hungering souls will give ease; The remedy that never fails, To cure the evils sin entails. Speak as the oracles of God. Keep under His staff and His rod; Spread the glad tidings far and wide, For these, Jesus was crucified. Redemption vas bought by Christ's blood Let this thought rush in like a flood; The blood of God as well as man, It took this to complete the plan. The atonement gives all free will, For all can now the law fulfill; That law is an apple of gold, That saves the broken-hearted soul. Sweet to the taste, pleasant to see, That fruits in store for you and me; Enough for the whole world to suffice, If they would make the sacri fice. That sacrifice is easy made, Neither by pomp nor grand parade; Look and live, repent and believe A crown of life yon will receive. SERMONS IN VERSE 101 Owe no man anything, but to ove one another: for he that loveth another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13th chap. & 8th. verse. Owe no man anything but love, Live harmless as the turtle dove; For love alone fulfills the law, And climbs the ladder Jacob saw. The man who will not pay a debt, Will die at last with sad regret; He wrongs himself and others too,' To promise what he can not do. Thus acting he evades the truth, And of low cunning thus makes proof; Then make no semblance of disguise, This is commendable and wise. By faith the world will glide along, As cheerful as a wedding song; Without it men will truant be, And fill the earth with misery. Wake up kind friends and Chalk the line, Let honesty and love combine; In worldly matters these will stand, As landmarks in our native land. Love the Lord with heart, mind and soul, Then Jesus' blood will make you whole; Love your neighbor as well as self, And thus you'll gain the greatest wealth. KJ2 SERMONS IN VERSE Living faith, men must exercise, If they would win the heavenly prize; Without it God cannot be pleased, Nor souls of men ever be eased. The greatest debt that mankind owe, Is to Jesus forevermore, Who shed his blood, when'man was lost, And with his life he paid the cost. This brought salvation to the earth, That gave to man the second birth. An heir of God with Christ to reign, And sing redemption's sweet refrain. With nought to pay we owe the debt, To God for ev'ry thing we get; The breath we breathe, water we drink, And all things of which we can think. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1st. Corinthans 10 chap, and 12^. Men by their works now think they, stand. But work's foundation is on sand; The works that are by faith produced, Are the best that can be produced, Without spirit the body is dead, So of faith without works tis .said; Faith alone will never suffice, To gain for man the heavenly^prize. SERMONS IN VERSE 103 Ifaith without works will not last long, It requires both to make men strong. Neither of these will stand alone, And never can for sin atone. Genuine faith will work always, Man who has this watches and prays; Such need not think, but know they stand Because they keep the Lord's command. The Pharisees all thought they stood, Because they knew their works were good; With lips they worshipped heaven's King, While with hearts th^y did no such thing. All men should take heed lest they fall, Obey God, and come at His call; Obey, for this, the Lord demands, The obedient, therefore, stands. Men who have been born from above, Their God and their brethren will love; New life possessed death has been past, They work for the Lord till the last. Never cease to ponder and think, Of thousands who stand on the brink; Work to bring them into the fold, 'Twill pay better than Ophir's gold. God says he that wins souls is wise, Let all, then, go and do likewise; 104 SERMONS IN VERSE Life will soon fade like autumn leaves, May all return bringing their sheaves. Teach all to love and fear the Lord,, That grace will bring a great reward; The topmost stone in heaven lies, Reserved for all the good and wise. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows ©f the mighty, with coals of juniper. Psalm 120 and 3d and 4th verses. What shall be given unto thee? Thou tongue, that's false as false can be; Unruly evil, has not been tamed, For slanders has always been famed. All things have been tamed but the tongu* This can't be done in old nor young; Reckless member, and runs with speed, And to truth often pays no heed. And what shall be done unto tnee? False tongue inflicting misery; Traducer oft of all that's good, Its venom none have understood. Its arrows sharp oft pierce the soul, Effects are felt from pole to pole; No evil with it can compare, It stirs up strife everywhere. SERMONS IN VBR8E 105 Like coals of juniper it burns And friends, to foes, it often turns; No pen of scribe can ever tell, How many souls it sends to hell. Let all from east, west, north and south, Then set a watch over their mouth; Keep the tongue, save the soul from harm, Silence sometimes will bring a charm. Tis best to speak evil of none, But this is a hard task for some; Keep a conscience void of offence And God your souls will recompence. If you would live spotless and pure, Remember that truth will endure; Trust the Lord and nothing else speak, This confirms the strong, upholds the weak. Keep a still tongue, mind how you talk, Good examples set, by your walk; Live ev'ry day as though the last Joy you'll reap when this life is past. As the mountains are round abouL Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth ere» for ever. Psalm 125 and 2. There is something sublime about mountains' Purest waters proceed from their fountains; Tker tower aloft for many miles high, J 06 SERMONS IN VERSE Their snow capped peaks seem to pierce the blue sky. The works of creation are all sublime, Because they were molded by hands Divine.; He spake the word, the mighty work was done, And universal worlds on nothing hung. No wonder morning stars together sung. When such great worlds from nonentity sprung; The music of the spheres will always chime Till great Jehovah puts an end to time. With a cordon of love surrounds His own, To Him all hearts and all secrets are known; Surrounds with horses and chariots grand,. Preserves them from danger on sea and land, He loves all mankind and wishes them well,, But the care for His own no tongue can tell; He re< eemed them by His blood that was shed, And saved their souls from the grave of the dead. People of earth are with so much sin fraught, That they cannot love God just as they ought; Keeping His commandments, man prove* His love, SERMONS IN VERSE 107 This will take him to bright region* above. Trusting under the shadow of His wings, To weary souls sweet consolation brings; With the fatness of His house satisfied, Drink of the river of pleasure beside. Sticks closer than a brother to His own, To desert them He never has been known; Sons of men who for aid on Him rely, Will find in Him an apmle, full supply. He is the fountain both of life and light, And scatters away the shades of the night; And all things are upheld by His power, All men should praise Him ev'ry day and hour. The height of His knowledge, depth of His grace, Fill all the earth and the regions of space; On the storm cloud rides, in thunder He talks, And on the swift wings of the wind He walks. Search me, O Gcd, and know my heart: trj me, and know my thoughts: And see if there beany wicked way in me, and lead me in the way ererla»ting. Psalm 139 and 23 and 24. Search me, O God, and know my heart, From thy ways let me not depart; 108 SERMONS IN VERSE Thy ways are pleasant, thy paths peace, May my love for thee never cease. Lord search our hearts and try our reins, Give us grace that always sustains; Fill all our souls with holy love, Sent down from heaven's courts above. Sinners at thy truth sometimes scoff, Thou knowest their thoughts afar off; Night and day are alike to thee, There's nothing hid thou canst not see. If evil in our hearts exists, Help us that evil to resist; Give us thy grace to overcome AH the wiles of the wicked one. Search us, O Lord, and give us sight To see ourselves and know what's right; To follow thee and never stray, And ever walk the King's highway. Thou art a fire to purge our dross, But the true gold sustains no loss; Give us this gold, we ask no more, Wash us, and we'll be white as snow. If thou wilt, thou canst make us clean, We know that we are vile and mean; But bathe uj> in the crimson flood, For nothing cleanses like thy blood. SERMONS IN VERSE ion In the way everlasting guide, And help us stem the swelling tide; Give us faith that takes no denial, For this world's a testing trial. And when the storm of life is past, May we all reach heaven at last; Be clad in robes of dazzling white, In anthems loud with saints unite. Sing free grace and dying love, Exalted with Jesus above; Who is the bright and morning star, That sheds his rays everywhere. O Lord, I have heard thy speech and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known, in wrath remem- ber mercy . Habakkuk 3 and 2. O Lord thy speech nations have heard, At its sound they've trembled and feared; That speech alone can wake the dead, No wonder people fear ana dread. Like a hammer the rock it breaks, Lengthens cords and strengthens the stakes Builds up the waste places of Zion, Its author is Judah's Lion. Like a fire it tries every soul, Purges the dross, but saves the gold; UO SERMONS IN VERSE Causes prodigals to return And nevermore the gospel spurn. That word lays bare the heart of man, And opens up salvation's plan; it points the way from earth to skies, To the atoning sacrifice. Fear not him who this life can take. And no further havoc can make; Our God can send the soul to hell, Where pain and anguish ever dwell. Let all nations tremble and fear, Humble themselves, to God draw near; Grace to the humble He imparts, And fills with joy their aching hearts. May all now from greatest to least, Pray for a Pentecostal feast; That the wanderer may return And nevermore the gospel spurn. Pray that all the dry bones may hear, Valley shake, tremble and fear; Winds of heaven blow on the slain, And that the dead may live again. Lord inspire more zeal for the lost, Of souls, help all to count the cost; One soul is worth the world's combined, Eternity is undefined. SERMONS IN VERSE 111 Wake up Zion put on your strength, Extend your borders more at length; Let Lord revive us be your prayer, Renew your zeal and don't despair. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sus- tain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55 and 22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, And you will grain a great reward; With manna your soul He will feed, That bread that starving souls all need. The heavy laden all should come, Cast burdens on Him ev'ry one; The man of sorrows and of grief, Will give them ev'ry one relief. The heavy laden will find rest, In their Maker's favor be blest; He bids all men to come todav, Not one will He then turn away. Requirements are proposed to none, Each one is invited to come And taste the joy of gfrace divine, And for salvation fall in line. All that taste the joy of the Lord, Rejoice and spread His praise abroad; 112 SERMONS IN VERSE His yoke is easy, burden light, Take it on you and you'll do right. Righteousness our God will approve, From Him no power can remove Those who on Him for aid repose, He'll never desert them to foes. He'll keep them in sickness and health, He aids them with grace which is wealth, Wealth that will last, cannot be lost, His life was the purchase it cost. Christ always upholds and sustains, Bears man's burdens, never complains; Always meek and lowly in heart, Grace to the meek He will impart. His love and knowledge know no bound, Depth of His goodness none can sound; All blessings come from Him above, The God of grace, mercy and love. Let all the earth with loud acclaim, His long-suffering kind proclaim; He left the courts of heaven high, And gave Himself for man to die. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, e?en as it is with you. Thess. 3 and 1. Prayer is the key that opens mercy's door, And all Christian's should pray forevermore; SERMONS IN VERSE 113 Pray without ceasing is the Lord's com- mand Therefore, the prayerful will forever stand. The Lord to this end a parable spake, That ev'ry one should supplications make; Faint not nor cease but be instant in prayer, Such procedure will succeed anywhere. It is the will of the Lord that men pray, Lifting up holy hands, both night and day; Ask, ye shall receive, was said by the Lord, Obey His voice, spread His praise abroad. Effectual fervent prayers avail much Coming from the righteous., God receives such; Pray that the Lord's word may be glorified. And that all by faith may be justified. Morning, noon, and night good old David prayed, The Lord in battle most of his foes slayed; Sticks closer than a brother to His own, To desert the prayeriul never was known. Prayer the grandest weapon of man's suc- cess, A solace to his soul when in distress; A medium that reaches heaven's throne, Its worth to the vile has never been kaowi. 114 SERMONS IN VERSE Christian's wrestle not against flesh and blood, But against powers that come like a flood; These are led on by the prince of the air, Who deceives the whole world by promise fair. Spiritual weapons alone succeed, To pull down old Satan's strongholds with speed; Imaginations before them must fall, Of these vile enemie.- they vanquish all. Finally, brethren, pnsy with heart sincere For us, that the world may have free course here And be glorified wherever proclaimed, To the healing of souls, blind, halt and maimed. Jesus prayed more while He staid here be- low, Teaching a lesson that all men should know; His example follow, and keep in His way, Which leads to heaven and to endless day. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accep- tation, that Chrisi. Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. First Timothy 1st chap. 15th verse. All sayings of God are faithful and true, And will perform what they promise to do; SERMONS IN VERSE 115 Yea let God be true, man be a liar, For the great God is a consuming fire. 'Tis a fearfu) thing in His hands to fall, Wisdom to obey, and come at His call. His call is to repentance faith and love. The greatest blessings that come from above. He calls to deliver, from sin set free, He bids all the world come forward and see Him of whom Moses in the law did write, Jesus of Nazareth, Morning Star bright. Of His free vill He left heaven for earth, To Bethlehem came, city of His birth; His coming announced b\ the heavenly host. Brought delight to all old Gallilee's coast. He came to seek and to save all the lost, On Ca ! vary shed His blood as the cost; Man's redemption was, therefore, bought with blood. He never can love the Lord as he ought. His mission was guilty wretches to save, From hell's destruction and the sinner's grave; No powers of mind can fathom such love, No wonder it was sung by choirs above. Jesus came the chief of sinners to save, F or their salvation His own life He gave; 116 SERMONS IN VERSE That they from the thralldom of sin m rise, To the home of the blest beyond the skies. Saying, worthy of all acceptation, May it prevail all over creation Faithful and true, and forever will stand God grant that it may grow more in demand Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Neither give place to the devil. Romans 4:26. 27. Anger is outrageous and fierce, Is hard to keep under; Is ready a neighbor to pierce, And tear him asunder. It never finds rest with the wise, But it dwells with the fool; But caution the v 7 ise exercise, And adhere to this rule. A fool's wrath is presently known, No resistance he shows; His hopes are soon withered and strown, And he's o'erwhelmed with woes. There's no God, the fool in heart, said, I will do as iDlease* Of judgments I am not afraid, I'll say soul take thine ease. SERMONS IN VERSE 117 Angry words from the heart proceed, Better felt than expressed; Bridle the tongue, to ways give heed. If you wish to be blest. Let not the sun set on your wrath, Be angry and sin not; Act thus, roses will strow your path, Sweet peace will be your lot. Neither to the devil give place, He hates the race of man; He's an enemy to God's grace, And to redemption's plan. An enemy that slumbers not, A constant vigil keeps; For man's destruction forms his plot, And his designs defeats. He spreads his net with subtle craft, And says you shall not die; His tongue is a deceitful shaft, He knows just how to lie. To destroy souls is his delight And drag them down to hell; God hurled him down from regions bright. An angel till be fell. 118 SERMONS IN VERSE Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work* Deutronomy 5 and i3. The seventh day is one of rest, And one the Lord of hosts has blest; Xo labor should men do that day, But worship God, and watch and pray. Bodies need rest as well as mind, The soul must relaxation find; Rest is needful to the weary, When the mind feels sad and dreary. Keep this day holy to the Lord, It brings to souls a great reward; On bells of the horses of old, Holiness was written we'r told. Also on vessels of the Lord, This is a matter of record; Let this be written in each hears;, From holiness let none depart. On this day search the sacred truth, The source of life to age and youth; Unto salvation makes men wise, Insures a home beyond the skies. This day do all the good you can To edify your fellow man; jpoint him to Christ for sinners slain, And suffer not your zeal to wane. SERMONS IN VERSE 119 He that wins souls is shrewd and wise, And will influence exercise; Use the Sabbath for these good ends, And save from death both foes and friends. To that Sabbath that has no end, Let your strength and energy tend; And holiness in your heart reign, Till Christ the Lord shall come again. Thou shaft not steal. Deutronomy 5 and 15. The Lord knew what was in frail man, Commandments ten He gave; To aid him in life's fleeting span, And save him from sin's grave. All should labor for a support, And covet goods of none.; This truth every one should note. Be followed by each one. Rogues are punished by human laws r By disgrace are branded; There's no effect without a cause, Bright hopes are all stranded. The devil always tempts to wrong, Heed not his pleadings vile; Listen not to his siren song, Nor to his cunning wile. 120 SERMONS IN VERSE From Sinai's fiery mountain The ten commandments came; And these were of light the fountain, To shield mankind from shame. Thou shalt not steal, it is a crime, (Yield not to temptation) Against man's laws and laws Divine Ends in condemnation. Be honest, upright, firm and true, Love God with all your heart; There's nothing better you can do, Let not these truths depart. Gain illy gotten squanders fast, Takes wings and flies away; God's grace alone will always last, Seek it now, while you may. Thou shalt not kill. Deutronomy 5:17. Thou shalt not kill, a short command. But includes ail the race; Applies to man on sea and land. Ot force in ev'iy place. Take not the life you cannot give, Your sin will find you out; Tkink, all have equal right to live, The weilcia well as stoat. SERMONS IN VERSE 121 The first born a murderer proved, Vile envy was the cause; With jealousy his heart was moved, But then there were no laws. AbeFs blood cried up from the ground, To the great God on high; Who heard from thence the doleful sound , And to vile Cain drew nigh. What is this deed that thou hast done, Where is thy brother now? And here he used his lying tongue, And falsehoods are his vow, And now for you the ground is cursed, Thorns and thistles shall grow; Result of envy you have nursed, For days of long ago . Sin lay at the murderers door, And prompted to the deed; His avarice would not forego, Nor to his God give heed. Bad blood in man's veins runs on still, And will forevermore. Till God subdues the stubborn will, Then he will sin no more. Give God your heart and on Him call, Your passions all subdue; 122 SERMONS IN VERSE Then unlike Cain, you will not fall, Nor like him prove untrue . Thou shalt hare none other Gods before me. Deu- tronomy 5 and 7. There is none other God but ours, And He is three in one; And from Him proceed all powers, Beside Him there is none. Beside Him there's no God at all, His eyes are ev'rywhere; He sees the little sparrow fall, Makes man His glo A y share. The enemies men have to fight, While they sojourn below, Are earthly Gods of stubborn might, They make tremendous show. Gods of earth to pleasure invite And lure men's souls away, They keep temptations in his sight, And many thousands slay. The flesh is heir to many ills, And leads men's souls to death; If Christ does not subdue their wills, They sink at parting breath. The devil the most subtle foe, Leads captive at his will, SERMONS IN VERSE 123- All sinners who to ruin go, And never does stand still. No earthly weapon can succeed, To fight this giant foe; He drags men on with rapid speed, To darkest shades of woe. God's word alone can storm his Jfort, And make him lose the day; This word and prayer frail men support, And lead them from his way. The present help in time of]need, Is God the mighty King; Jesus the hungry soul can feed, Sweet consolation bring. All praise to His unbounded fame, Who lives forevermore; All glory to that holy name, Which we this day adore. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19 and 10. Christ came not the righteous to call, But sinners to repent; This invitation is to all, To whom the word is sent. T24 SERMONS IN VERSE All sinners without grace are lost, Their doom forever sealed: Ob Calvary Christ paid the cost, And thus His love revealed. Was ever love so strong as this, To leave high heaven's throne? That enemies might enter bliss, He claims them for His own. Such He came to seek and to save, From anguish, pain, and woe; From hell's destruction and the grave, That they His joy might know. By tram? rassion and Adam's fall, Men ail had gone astray; Man's help to them was naught at all, It was an arm of clay . But Christ the help in time of need, Descended from above, The hungry, thirsting souls to feed, And save them by His love. For love like this let nations all, Exalt His wondrous praise; And at His feet all prostrate fall, Loud hallelujahs raise. With unfeigned thanks rejoice and sing Free grace and dying love; SERMONS IN VERSE 125 To our self-sacrificing King Crown jewel from above. Ask ye of the f Dord rain in the time of the latter rain;*so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. Zachariah 10 and 1. Ask of the Lord the rain you need, In time of latter rain; He fails not the sincere to feed, And ev'ry one sustain. From honest hearts by earnest prayer, God never fails to hear: Blind unbelief creates despair When/victory is near. J 'IS?*?' " By prayer men will salvation gain, ! And grace in time of need; Why then not ask for early rain, Which will the hungry feed? Ask and you shall receive. Applies to everything; All we need is to believe, So says the wondrous King. All men lack is faith to believe, This, mountains will remove; If thus they act they will receive, And great Jehovah prove. 126 SERMONS IN VERSE All things are possible with God, And man need never fear; He rules creation with His rod, And lends a list'ning ear. If we ask Him in time of need, He'll send His showers down; The hungry souls of men to feed, The earth with glory crown. He is a God that answers prayer, And all man's wants supplies; His help prevails everywhere, Beneath the star lit skies. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. Malachi 3 and 16. The fear of evil is restraint, That keeps some on their guard; ' Tis good for sinner and for saint, For saved and unprepared. Then they that feared the Lord would speak. Each one to his brother; Confirm the strong, uphold the weak, And love one another. SERMONS IN VERSE 127 The Lord hearkens, and this speech hears, A book also He writes; Remembers him who loves and fears, And to His rest invites. The book of remembrance was made, For those who feared His name; Not for the thoughtless who parade In divers forms of shame. 'Tis good to think upon that name, To which all knees shall bow; When He shall come with shining flame, With vict'ry on His brow. Each knee shall bow, each tongue confee», That He is Lord of all; The present help in keen distress, To save from Adam's fall. His works are marvellous and great, Unbounded His power; His rule is felt in church and state, Every day and hour. All those who love and fear His name Will live forevermore; They're jewels of undying fame Reserved for Canaan's shore. 128 SERMONS IN VERSE For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job 19 and 25. When man the works of God beholds, He knows He ever lives; Of men possesses all their souls, And life to all things gives. Among the God's there's none like He, He dwells in ev'ry place; His presence fills eternity, And all the realms of space. His strength no thought of man can bcund, His wisdom none can tell; His equal can nowhere be found, His works nought can excell. His goodness is a fountain deep, From which all men may drink; He feels tor those who mourn and weep, And on His great name think. In Him long suffering is found, In goodness He delights; And while the planets roll their round, He'll give us days and nights. In latter days on earth he'll stand, And give each one his due; SERMONS IN VERSE 129 Heaven and earth at his command, Will pass from human view. His goodness leads all to repent, But men hard-hearted prove; They will not of their sins relent, Nor for salvation move. They treasure wrath from day to day, Against the day of wrath; Like Galleo speed on their way, And. tread the downward path. Sinner, the day of wrath is nigh, Prepare to meet your God; He'll soon descend from regions high, Now come under His rod. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds iray be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 13 and 21. For this is the condemnation, That in the world there's light And sinners refused salvation, Prefering shades of night. All has been done that saints can do, To lead men into light; But sinners stand aloof from view, And hide in gloom of night. 130 SERMONS IN VERSE To come to light reproves men's lives, Therefore some will not yield; They know their sin in darkness thrives, This is their chosen field. Deeds of darkness will come to light Your sin will find yon out; Awhile your prospects may be bright, Your resolution stout. * '22. rt^B- -f:'3V The overwhelming scourge will come, Your hiding place o'erfiow; Christ's blood is the only ransom, And this all men should know. He that doeth truth comes to the light, And plainly shows his acts; He walks as in the Master's sight And deals in solemn facts. He shows his deeds are wrought in God, By walking in the light; No longer in darkness will plod, His heart's desire is right. His watchword now will ever be, In wisdom I will walk; His song, "Nearer my God to Thee," Of Him I'll sing and talk. SERMONS IN VERSE 131 The sword of the Lord and of Gideon. No powers of God's earth can stand, The force of His Almighty hand; No battle without Him is fought, His aid then., should ever be sought. One can chase a thousand with might, Two can put ten thousand to flight; If God be for us, who can stand Against the power of our hand. Powers by Him are all ordained, These by His will are all sustained; He rules the earth, the sea and skies, And gives to all needed supplies . The sword of the Lord, all should cry, When to the battle they draw nigh, Gideon's sword is in demand, When forward, charge, is the command Sword of Gideon and the Lord, Never will fail to reap reward; Jehovah's buckler is a shield, To which all earthly powers yield. To save by many or by few, To God alone is this gift due; To Jehovah there's no restraint, He understands each one's complaint. 132 SERMONS IN VERSE He rules the world with grace Divine, Saints are branches, He is the vine; He is to man the open door, And will thoroughly purge His floor. The fountain that never runs dry, From which each one must drink or die; From the wind He's a hiding place, He gives glory and He gives grace. He's the King of glory and grace, He fills the boundless realms of space; Glory to God in highest strains, Praise Him with the sweetest refrains. Sing His wondrous power to save, From death, from hell, and from the grave; At the right hand of God He pleads, And for all mortals intercedes. Fear God and keep His commandments for this is thewhloe duty of man. Eccl. 12:13. Wisdom begins with godly fear, This truth should ring in ev'ry ear; Understanding puts forth her voice, And bids all make this happy choice. Wisdom with prudence always dwells, The heart with rapturous joy swells; SERMONS IN VERSE 133 With witty inventions stores the mind, And blesses all the human kind. Doth not this wisdom cry aloud, Against the wicked and the proud? Forsake your ways, turn to the Lord, Believe His truth and trust His word. Though your sins may as scarlet be, God in His mercy will set you free; Beauty for ashes He will give, With Him in heaven you will live. The oil of joy for mourning gives, The soul that tears Him always lives; Garments of praise for downcast hearts, Grace to the humble He imparts. The conclusion of all is this, The fear of God insures man's bliss; This is the true bliss from above, Descending from the God of love. Wisdom for all is a defense, And to the meek a recompence; An attribute of God on high, Forever lives, will never die. May all the race xhis wisdom gain, Strive with Christ forever to reign; Singing free grace and dying love, Enter at last the joys above. 134 yKlI SERMONS IN VERSE And who is my neighbor? Luke 10th chapter and part of verse 29. A man enroute for Jericho, From Jerusalem went; Myriad thieves more than a score Were on his ruin bent. These stripped him and left him half dead, And bleeding in the way; A priest came by and turned his head, Looked, and went on they say. A Levite chanced to come that day, Stood round, rendered no aid To help the traveler on his way, Left him, nor longer staid. At length a Samaritan came, Bound up his wounds in haste; This was a Christian, not in name, But fervent, pure and chaste. Neighbor to sinners in distress, The word of God, he used; For this alone the soul can bless, When sin struck and confused. Now the name of thieves is legion Abounding in our day; One-third fell from heaven' sjregion, When Satan went astray. SERMONS IN VERSE These once were shining lights above, By Satan led astray; Kebelled against the God of love, Nor longer there could stay. Nothing but the word saves from sin, Now Christian's ply your skill; Sinners are neighbors bring them in, And do it with a will. Sinners still bleed at ev'ry pore, Their lives are ebbing fast; Just as it was in days of yore, Their time will soon be past. Let all Christians with sweet accord Bind up the broken heart; Point sinners to the mighty Lord, Who will His grace impart. Be a n^igbor to old and young, Who do not know the Lord; Always k^ep your bow well strung. The arrows are the word. If you would hear the word "come in," Teach all to do what's right; The naked clothe, if you would win, Strangers take in and all invite. 136 SERMONS IN VERSE Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed Thy strength unto this generation, -and thy power to every one that is to come. Psalm 71st and 18th verse. Now I am old my head is gray, O God, forsake me not; Let Thy bright light illume my way, My life be without spot. Help me my God thy strength to shew My generation here; And teach all mortals as I go, My God to love and fear. Help me Thy power to proclaim, With heart and mind sincere; As long as I on earth remain, To work for Thee in fear. Thy name to all I will declare, The old as well as young; That they may shun old satan's snare, And his deceitful tongue. His wiles are always shrewd and sharp, The whole world he deceives; In ages past he made his mark, The nations still agrieves. The generations yet to come, He'll shrewdly lead along; SERMONS IN VERSE 137 To death and hell he will guide some, Lured by his siren song, God's power alone can destroy, His fiendish, base designs; His word is gold without alloy, And noonday sun outshines. ¥o power but this can put to flight, Old Satan and his host; This weapon use in ev'ry fight, You'll drive him from his coast. If God be for us who can stand Before His sword and shield? All nations bow to His command, He wins on ev'ry field. All glory to His hallowed name, Who rules heaven and earth; His glory lives in endless fame, To ev'ry thing gave birth. His dwelling place no man can tell, Though heaven is His throne; His works in ev'ry thing excel, Creation is His own. Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give to every man according- as his work shall be. 12th verse of 22d chapter of Revelations. Christ Jesus says He soon will come, To judge the quick and dead; 138 SERMONS IN VERSE His coming will be death to some. For whom His blood was shed. Slaves to vice will reap their reward, So says high heaven's King; They failed to trust the mighty Lord, Free grace they could not sing. Lost, how lamentable tne sound Of that dreod word depart; Many millions will thus be found, Who gave not God the heart. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, And opened wide her mouth; To receive the toilers for wealth, From east, west, north and south. The only work in life that pays, Is for the Saviour's cause. Obedience in all your ways, Unto His righteous laws. Rewards will come as men work here, Then labor day and night; That you may with the sheep appear, Arrayed in robes of white. To shine forever like the sun, While ceasless ages roll; Labor and toil forever done, Supreme joy fills the soul. SERMONS IN VERSE 139 No sorrow can assail the breast, No troubles intervene, Millenium of sacred rest, And naught disturbs the scene. Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trum- pet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1. Cry aloud, spare not, make the call, Elevate your voice high; Proclaim salvation unto all, For all must shortly die. Lord let the trumpet blast resound, Till all the nations hear; The life-producing gospel sound, And hail the jubil year. Now show the people where they stand Exposed to wrath Divine; And point them to the gospel plan, That always is on time. Transgressions have been multiplied, Sin rages far and near; O'er souls for whom Christ Jesus died, To save them from all fear. You will not come to me and live, Says Christ the sinners friend; 40 SERMONS IN VERSE No other can this power give, Why not your ways amend? Strange gods you've followed all your days. Although I often call; You must forsake your sinful ways, Or you'll forever fall. We ought more earnest heed to give, To things which we have heard; The word alone can make us live, This should be known and feared. Study to show yourselves approved Let nothing slip that's good; Trust in the Lord you'll not be moved, His word has always stood. Prove all things, to the good hold fast Ls sanctioned by the truth; You must forsake your sinful ways, Or you'll forever fall. Stop poor sinner, now pause and think, Before you fufther go; You stand today on ruins brink, And soon must leave the shore. The unknown world you soon must try Time hurries you along; Lost you'll be if in sin you die, In Christ alone you're strong. SERMONS INVERSE 141 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2nd chap, and Is r verse. We ought more earnest heed to give, To things which we have heard; The word alone can make us live, This should be known and feared. Study to show yourselves approved Let nothing slip that's good; Trust in the Lord you'll not be moved, His word has always stood, Prove all things, to the good hold fast Is sanctioned by the truth; The word like God will always last, And keep the dews of youth. Repent, believe and be baptized, Pray hear this counsel grand Jesus all flesh has thus advised, Now heed the great command. Except you repent you'll perish Let not this slip your mind; Love for God and neighbor cherish, Redemption then you'll find. He saves to the eleventh hour. His mem'ry never fails; 142 SERMONS IN VERSE Nought on earth can bound His power, His love always prevails. He commands all to love and fear Him who has all things made, That they may with His Son appear, And through deep waters wade. No respecter of men is He, For all flesh is His own; He sees to all eternity, To Him all things are known. The universe can never hold T his mighty Lord of all; "His grace and glory can't be told, We'll^crown fiim Lord of all. All things bow to His beck and nod, Nothing: can stay His hand; He guides all worlds with staff and rod, I Supreme on sea and land. Let songs of praise and anthems loud, His majesty proclaim; Who walks the wind and rides the cloud, [ "Whose powers all things chain. Wherefore He sayeth, Awake thou that sleepeth, and arise frim the dead and Christ shall give thee light. Ephesian 15th chap, and 14th verse. Awake says God nor longer sleep, And arise from tne dead; SERMONS IN VERSE 143 Pardon is found by all who seek, Through Christ the fountain head. A little more*sleep and slumber, Heed not the siren song; Days are gliding without number, Life's journey is not long. Death soon will claim you for its own, The grave is opened wide; Your spirit will to God be bom Beyond the swelling tide. Without God's grace airmen are dead In tresspasses and sin; They rise by faith in Christ the head, And boldly enter Jin. Their bonds are loosed, their souls at ease The hour they first believe; On wings of love they catch the breeze And sail, nor longer grieve. The new born souljwith a joy and peace Is gently led along; Thanksgiving and praise do not cease, Nor does redemption's song. Awake, then, sleeper, do likewise, Today there's room for all; In heart now say, k 'I will arise" And go before I fall. 144 SERMONS IN VERSE Our God is a consuming fire, He warns all men to^flee The wrath to come — climb up higher, And taste the Jubilee. Unto you O men I call and my voic« is to the sons of m«n, Proyerbs 4th Chapter and 8th verse. Unto you O men, now I call, Pray heed my warning voice; The invitation is to all, Be wise and make your choice. Tarry not for the morrow's sun, It might be then too late; Now is the proper time to come, While open is the gate. Salvation is promised today, No future time is set; Hasten then, no longer delay. There is room for you yet. Make the start and never look back, Salute none by the way; Keep in the strait and narrow track, That leads to endless day. This day the fount is opened wide, Spurn not the voice that calls; SERMONS IN VERSE 145 Launch out upon the swelling tide Before the curtain falls. Let this your watchword ever be, I will apnroach His throne. I know that He can set me free, And take me for His own. Love God your neighbor and your friend, And bow to his command; This do my friend and in the end, You will forever stand. Christ burst the brazen bars of death, And triumphed o'er the grave; That you might at your parting breath, Sing His power to save. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Hebrews 4th Chapter and Sth uerse. Man's life on earth is but a span, A transitory stay; Nothing can thwart Jehovah's plan, He soon must pass away. There is a land where rest remains, For all the good and pure; Jesus all the faithful sustains, His mercy will endure. 146 * SERMONS' IN VERSE To the weary^true rest is found, tnuzA In Chris the Lord of all; ' His doctrine is both true and sound, s And saves from Adam's fall. The sin-sick strive for endless rest, When life's journey is done; " That they with Jesus may be blest, Be heir's with God's own Son. Rest to the weary gives relief, When the day's work is done; The idle alone come to grief, Of wisdom they have none. Labor to enter into rest, Is one of God's commands; Through tribulation come the best, "™ From all the weary lands. The rest of the people of God, Remains forevermore; And will until beneath the sod, All human flesh must go. Now seek that rest and don't despair, Seek it with all your heart; That you may be a jewel rare, When you from life depart. SERMONS IN VERSE 147 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Sec- ond Cor., 10th chap, and 17th verse. God forbid that I should glory Save in the crucified; Who with garments red and gory, The law has satisfied. Take-up your cross and follow me, JH Through good and bad report; This do if comfort you would see, And find in me support. I am a help in needed time, I all the hungry feed; I never forsake those who are mine They are not left in need. I clothe with robes of righteousness give water of life; I soothe the heart when in distress And drive away all strife. L all flesh glory in the Lord, And on His grace rely; That they may gain the great reward, ! Reach heaven when they die. The humble, lowly, and the meek, Will soon exalted be; No matter whether Jew or Greek, happiness they'll see. 148 SERMONS IN VERSE Glory to God forevermore, J^Let earth exalt His name; And spread abroad from shore to shore, |§The triumphs of His fame. There is no other name on earth, Can save the soul from death; That gives to man the second birth, And saves at parting breath. My spirit ahall not always strive with man. Man was created free from sin, Pure as the breath of morn; A life of innocence to begin, jfBut sin soon on him dawned. Heaven's mandate soon disobeyed, Lacked power to resist; Since Adam's day all flesh has strayed, And still in sin persist. With Adam's fall the promise came, That man might be redeemed, And rescued from his sin and shame, By faith, win lost esteem. The spirit is willing, flesh weak, He knocks at ev'ry heart; He dwells forever with the meek, And will His grace impart. SERMONS IN VERSE 149 Wherever the gospel is proclaimed, The spirit whispers come; The lame, halt, the blind the maimed, Thus calls, excepting none. The Spirit T vill not always strive, He sometimes takes His flight; The soul is dead that was alive, And clothed with shades of night. Come now says Spirit and the bride, If comfort you would see; We'll land you safe on Canaan's side, 'Twill be a jubilee. There joy and peace forever reign, And flowers never fade; There dwells the Lamb for sinners slain, Who has the world's debt paid. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What i is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:12. Poor Adam in the garden hid, Soon after he had lost a rib; From which a far-famed maid was formed And he and she were never born. This maiden proved to be a snare, Although so nice, unique and fair; 150 SERMONS IN VERSE Forbidden fruit from Satan's hand, She ate, then gave unto the man. This brought on death and all our woes, And clings to man where'er he goes; To good and evil ope'd his eyes, And showed the way from earth to skies. Old Satan gloated o'er his deed, But had to crawl and on dust feed; Since then he's wandered ev'ry hour, Still seeking whom he may devour. But woman's seed bruises his head, And will until the race is dead; Then to his dungeon he will go, No more to fill a world with woe. In sweat of face man makes his bread, Tnis lot awaits him till he's dead; God knew that he would surely fall, And this for him was best of all. Man had to fall to higher rise, To gain a home beyond the skies; This gained, he's bettered by the fall If lost he's ruined after all. Now mortaJs alia warning take, And ev'ry sinful way forsake; If God's glory you hope to win, You must repent and cease from sin. SERMONS IN VERSE 151 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, AlmDst thou par suadest me Lobe a Christian. Acts 26:28. God's gospel is a mystery To the unconverted; They regard it as a history, Poorly interpreted. Blind unbelief beclouds their eyes, In it no beauty see; Both to the prudent and the wise, A hidden mystery. Power of God unto salvation Unto believers al 1 ; From every tribe and nation Who on our God may call. Trembling and fear on Felix seized When he had heard the way; For this time go thy way, I'm pleased, But cannot yield today. His day of grace thus passed away, The spirit ceased to strive, For a more convenient day Would never more arrive. Agrippa almost'persuaded, A Christian true to be; The accepted time evaded, Had eyes but failed to see. 152 SERMONS IN VERSE Almost pepsuaded will not do, Fully persuaded will; Whenever the spirit moves you, Hasten, never stand still. The spirit will not always strive, For man is flesh and blood; Christ was offered a sacrifice For all who seek for good. Now hasten sinners to be wise, Catch moments as they fly; Faith in Christ Jesus exercise, Or you'll forever die. Can two walk tog-ether except they be agreed? Amos 2d chap, and 5th verse. Unity is greatly needed, In all the walks of life; This simple advice well heeded. Is good for man and wife. The church to prosper must agree, Combine in union sweet; If blessings here it hopes to see, Whenever it may meet. To love the world, is God to hate, He and sin can't agree; The clouds of doubt must dissipate, If spirits would be free. SERMONS IN VERSE 153 Enoch with his God walked longer, Than any other man; No doubt ev'ry day grew stronger, With his adopted plan. Two persons can't together go, Except they be agreed; Discord is sure to make a show, May all this truth now heed. Mammon and God no man can serve, The Bible speaks the truth. These facts all classes should observe And of the same make proof. If the Lord be God follow Him, Each day you'll wiser grow; You will r^ap a harvest of sin, If you follow your foe. Satan's a foe to all that's good, And has been since he fell; Against woman's seed he has stood. To drag them down to hell. Now don the robes of faith and love, And keep your armor bright; Then seek the pearl of price above, That saves from shades of night. 154 SERMONS IN VERSE And I heard a voice from heaven saying - unto me: Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them. Rev. 14th Chapter and 13th verse. I heard a voice from heaven say, Write, It was the voice of God; Bright angels clad in robes of white, Obeyed His beck and nod. Blessed are those who die in the Lord, Their works will follow them When they are gone to their reward, To wear a diadem. Rest to the weary, saved at last, Theyve reached the harvest home; Trials and toils with them are past, In bliss always to roam. They sowed good seed while they were here, Life's bread on waters cast; They proved themselve to be sincere, They've reached the goal at last. The word of Christ they spread abroad To sinners all around; Exhorted all to fear the Lord, And heed the gospel sound. Their works today still follow on, In branching streams they flow; SERMONS IN VERSE 155 Like growing fields of waving corn, They flourish as they go. The word of Gon will never fail To make a good return; Old Zion's ship will alwas sail, She's rigged from stem to sterm. Precept does well, examples^best, Use both and you'll do right; God knows man's need, He'll do the rest He wins in ev'ry fight. A rest remains to all the true, When life's journey is done; In duties path man is secure, Take heed now ev'ry one. Remember then the great command, Love God with all your soul; That you may all the storms withstand, And safely reach the goal. Jesus wept. John 11th Chapter and 35th verse. Jesus o'er Jerusalem wept, He saw the awful doom; By which the city would be swept, By indignations broom. Daughters of Jerusalem cried, When Christ hung on the tree. 156 Ma SERMONS IN VERSE Weep for yourselves He quick replied, """Shed not a tear for me. Ifcame to seek and save the lost, Not the righteous to call; My life I give to pay the cost, Believe and you'll not fall. The God man's blood alone can save, The lost by Adam's fall; He rose triumphant from the grave, And now he makes His call. When Lazarus died he wept again, Sympaty thrilled His heart; The tears rolled down His cheeks like rain, Soon life He will impart. The dead His powerful voice heard, He rose and left the grave; Obeyed the Saviour's mighty word, Felt His power to save. With the bereaved He loves to dwell, And soothe the aching breast; He does for mortals all things well, He succors the distressed. To the lowly, humble and meek, He lends a helping hand; He desires such His love to seek, Gives more than they demand. SERMONS IN VERSE 157 The world, the'flesh and the devil. This world's no wilderness of woe. And heaven's not man's home; 'Tis wicked men that make it so, Wherever they may roam. The world's all rignt lr man would be/ God made it for his good; That he much happiness might see, By watching where he stood. Not on the world, but up above, His affctions should rest; This soothes the soul with heavenly love, And drives away distress. The flesh is heir to many ills, While on this earthly sphere; But when its mission here fulfills, No more will it appear. The dust to dust must return, The flat's beeu declared; The soul will forever burn, If not while here prepared. The devil knows more than all the world, And leads it at his will; Night and day his banner's unfurled, He sows destruction still. 158 SERMONS IN VER8E He spreads his net with shrewdest skill, He lures with siren voice; Leads men captive at his own will, And makes for them their choice. Without God's help none will escape, They're blinded by his wiles; They cry out often when too late. They sink and Satan smiles. Finally, brethren, farewell Second Cor. 13th chap, and part of 11th verse. How sad to bid the last farewell, To comrades here below; It makes our hearts with sorrows swell, To meet on earth no more. Faces familiar to our view, Forever lost to sight; The impress lives our journey through, Keflects a hallowed light. Men can't appreciate the good, Till they are lost to sight; They cannot love them as they should, Till wrapped in shades of night. Men die here, but will live again, In realms of joy and peace; Or groan in anguish, grief and pain, Where torments never cease. SERMONS IN VERSE 159 Let all, then, strive to perfect be, And gather strength each day; For Christ will set the captives free, Who keep the King's highway. In grace mankind can never die, Without it all are dead; Grace lifts the soul to worlds on high. To Christ the Fountain Head. May all be of one heart and mind, In fellowship complete; This course pursued each one will find, His heart with love replete. So that death will no terrors bring, To those who stand in grace; The song of dying love they'll sing, And see the Savior's face. THE END. ••:■ .-. ,: ' mt m LIBRARY OF CONGRESS in 021 929 803 1