LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©i^p.'c? ij|rp:|n UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Cl(( Stjtctfl) ^ing ^ jiYMN? OF jEgag •ST A BOOK FOR DEVOTION. By Rev. Y/'illiam J. ^leepei^. • ^ BOSTON: Lee and Shepard, Publishers. 1883. Quotations from the New Testament are fkom THE lievised Version. * Illustrations from Bida. Copyright in 1883, by W. T. Sleeper. Printed by Lucius P. GoDDARDy Worcester. CONTENTS. ILLUSTRATIONS. Jesus by the Sea . . . . Fi-ontispiece. The Return from Egypt - - - opposite page 1 8 Jesus in the midst of the Doctors - . " <' 20 Behold the Lamb of God - - - " "26 Healing of tlie Impotent Man at the Pool - " "40 Jesus leads the Blind . . - " " 50 Jesus washes the feet of His Disciples - " " 62 Joseph of Arimathea prepares Christ for Burial " " 74 Jesus appears to His Disciples - - " "78 THE REJECTED KING. 1. The Vision . . . . . 9 2. Tlie Advent ..-•.- 11 3. The Guiding Star 14 4. The Flight „ . . . . 16 5. The Nazarene . . _ _ . 19 6. The Preparation .... 22 7. The Baptism 24 8. The Ministry ..... 28 9. The Night Long Prayer - ... 32 10. In Simon's House - - - - 35 11. Accused ot" Blasphemy - - - - 38 12. At Bethesda - - - - - 40 13. Blasphemed 43 14. Escaped from the Stoning ... 46 15. Besought to Depart - - - - 51 16. At Bethany ..... 55 17. Weeping over Jerusalem - - - - 59 18. The Last Supper - - - - 62 19. Gethsemane - - - - - 66 20. Betrayal and Tiial .... 70 21. The Crucifixion ..... 74 22. The Resurrection .... 78 23. Pvoom for Jesus . . . . . 82 HYMNS OF JESUS. 1. For Me 2. Jesus is Born 3. Beautiful Star 4. Be Not Afraid 5. My Father's Business 6. Tlie Heralding - 7. Jesus Comes to Save 8. Where is Jesus ? 9. Words of Jesus 10. All from Jesus 11. The Touch of Jesus 12. Come to the Saviour 13. The Love of Jesus 14. The Mind of Jesus 15. At the Feet of Jesus 16. Jesus Whispers - 17. Jesus, Advocate IS. Remember Me 19. Jesus Alone 20. Jesus in the Midst 21. Soul, Arise 22. The Believer's Response PAGE 10 13 15 17 21 23 26 30 34 36 39 42 45 49 54 58 61 64 69 81 85 86 preface: I have written this book because it was in ray heart, and, like David, I wanted to say: "I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the great congregation." A little poem out of which the book has grown was pub- lished in the Congregationalist several years ago, entitled, I believe, "Room for Jesus." A hymn taken from that poem was set to music, and published in "Spiritual Songs for the Sunday-School" by "The Century Co." I offer this book to the public hoping it may do good. Rev. G. H. Gould, D. D.,of Worcester, who has read the manuscript, says of it," I have read 'The Rejected King' with sincere pleasure. It puts the pith of the gospel into a series of rapidly passing word-pictures. Their brevity and quick move- ment kindle aglow of devout feeling which increases to the end." Rev. A. P. Marvix, of Lancaster, says: "The poem, as you read it to me, immediately arrested my attention, and held it to the last line. As I am impatient of dull, or diffuse, or tedious poetry, however beautiful the words or the measure. I concluded the poem had real merit. When I read it over by myself, line by line, and even word by word, spending a day or more over it, my interest was increased, rather than satiated. This is another proof to me of its real merit, and that not as an expression of divine truth, but as poetry." Rev. D. O. Mears, d. d., of Worcester, writes me: "I have this morning read with great interest and profit your poems on •Jesus Rejected.' I do not profess to be a poet, but I do know that there are * thoughts that burn ' scattered over these pages. If you shall cast the work into book form I shall expect that many others will be blessed in the perusal as I have been. I congrat- ulate you on what you have done. The spirit of tenderness breathes in every line." Mr. Harry W. French, the popular writer and lecturer, says: " I have enjoyed very ?nuc/i reading and re-reading your poem. I think very highly of it as a production, and hope, for the good of the world, as well as for myself, to see it in print." With such words as these I am encouraged to send it forth, praying that the blessing of God may rest upon it. The Author. (^\)t licjcctcb Hing. THE VISION. *'He is despised and rejected of men."— Isa. 53: 3. Rapt in what exalted theme Did the ancient Prophet dream — Heavenly, or of earth below — That his soul was set aglow With a flame of holy fire? What could wondering seer admire ? 'Twas the Mighty One revealed, But from Avorldly souls concealed ; Name transcending every name, Though in lowliness He came ; 10 THE REJECTED KING. Beautiful beyond compare, Yet none saw His beauty rare ; Spurned by those He came to bless, Hated for His righteousness, Wounded for our trespasses, Bruised for our iniquities, On His head our sins were laid, By His stripes our peace was made, Like a lamb to slaughter brought. Though oppressed He murmured not For the w^orld self-sacrificed. Yet rejected and despised. FOR ME. ]Max of sorrows ! can it be That His sorroAv was for me. And His agony? ' THE REJECTED KING. H Yes, for me in love He came, Took upon Himself my blame. And endured the shame. For my fault He insult bore, Scoffing rude and scourging sore. And a thorn-crown wore : Gave His feet and hands and side. Gave Himself — my guilt to hide — " To be crucified. THE ADVENT. There icas iw room for them in the inn.'''' — Luke,2 : 7. Ix the inn no room for them, Thy chief guests, O Bethlehem ! Ruth thou gavest room to glean, David's flocks to crop the green ; 12 THE If EJECTED KIXG. But for ]Mary — blessed one — And for David's Royal Son, Welcome thou dost not provide ; Every room is occupied. Nobles lounge 'neatli lordly domes, Peasants plod to humble homes. Foxes in their burrows rest, Sparrows gather to their nest ; But they give the Heavenly Stranger For His bed a rugged manner ; Home and grateful cheer for all, For the Son of God a stall. O let Iiethlehem's children blush I Let her winds theii* voices hush I O'er the silent, star-lit plain Angels sing a joyful strain — " Peace on earth, to men good will. Glory all the world shall fill ' — But it ne'er can be forgot, Bethlehem's children hear it not. THE REJECTED KING. 13 JESUS IS BORN. f^EiioLD the Lord's salvation By poets sung of old, The hope of tribe and nation, By prophets long foretold. Hosanna, loud hosanna I The Son of David see ! Lift high His royal banner. It is the Jubilee. Prepare the way before Him, Make ready for the King ; Let all the earth adore Him, And costly presents bring. Ye saints, repeat the story That Christ, the Lord, is come ; Sing '^Hallelujah! glory!" And oive Messiah room. 14 THE REJECTED KING. THE GUIDING STAR. ' We saw his star in Ihe east, and are come to icorshijf /ressing me. Let not the ripened grain be lost ; Before the winter's sleet and frost It must 1)0 garnered faithfully ; My Father's work is pressing me. 22 IIIK REJECTED KIXG. THE PREPARATION. ''Make ready the way of the Zor(/."— Matt. 3: 3. Era long foretold is near When Messiah shall appear Satan's power on earth to quell, Jubilee of Israel. Open wide, ye gates of day ! Death and darkness flee away ! Broken be the sway of sin ! Let the King of glory in ! John, a burning, shining light, Like Elijah, clothed Avith might, By the Holy Spirit sent, Cometh with the words, '' Repent, Heaven's kingdom is at hand, None before the King can stand With His righteous, glowing ire, With His fan and purging fire." THE REJECTED KING. ^ Breatliiiig thoughts, in words of flame. Stinging guilty souls with shame, To the stern Baptize r brought Throngs of men, who cleansing sought Through the rite ordained to be Type of Heavenly purity. Their confessions, Avails, distress^ Vocal made tlie wilderness. THE HERALDING. By Jordan's woody banks A mighty voice is heard; From near and far, like gathering cloiid^ The eager people come in crowds To hear the Prophet's word: " Behold the Lamb of God ! He comes — the nations' long desire — He comes — a bright consuming fire — Behold the Lamb of God ! " 24 THE REJECTED KING. The valleys, hills and woods And water-brooks rejoice, The mountains hear the thrilling strain, And echo back the grand refrain Cauo^ht from the Preacher's voice : " Behold the Lamb of God ! He comes to burn the chaff of sin He comes the wheat to gather in, Behold the Lamb of God ! " THE BAPTISM. "^nd 1 knetv hhn vot.^'— John 1: 33. NoA^' came He a\ ho had no sin. Fault without, or guile within, Gentleness and love and grace Lighting His resplendent face, LTnobserved, of humble mein, Fairest One wdth mortals seen, THE REJECTED KING. 25 To fulfill the law's demands At the faithful Herald's hands. Though the Preacher knew Him not, Holiness without a si)0t AAYed the man, austere and bold. Who the rite would fain withhold : "I should be baptized of Thee — Comest Thou, my Lord, to me?" "Suffer it, and thus fulfill God, the righteous Father's will." It was done at His command ; When, behold a vision grand ! Lo I the vaulted heaven rends. Whence the Holy Ghost descends Like a dove upon His head. And a voice celestial said : " This is my l>eloved Son, All my will in Him is done.'' But the peoj)le, dull of ear. Heaven's Evangel would not hear ; Blind of heart, they Avould not see 26 THE REJECTED KING. Ill the man of Galilee Him by poets sung of old, Him by prophets long foretold, Israel's Saviour, Jesse's rod. Son of David, Son of God. JESUS COMES TO SAVE. Behold the Laml) of God! He comes to save ; Behold His streaming blood ! He comes to save. Ye who for healing sigh. Ye who for mercy cry, Jesus is passing by ; He comes to save. THE REJECTED KING. 27 Ye fearful souls, draw near, He comes to save ; Ye dying sinners, hear, fie comes to save. He comes to save the lost On raging billows tossed, And counting not the cost, He comes to save. He comes thy love to win, He comes to save ; He comes to conquer sin. He comes to save. He comes to crush thy foe, The path of life to show, And rescue thee from woe ; He comes to save. 28 THE REJECTED KING. HIS MINISTRY. *AU they in the synagogue, ivhen they heard these things, viere filled with wrath."— Luke 4 : 28. Nazaketh, behold thy Guest! Give Hiin welcome, and be blest ; Lo ! He seeks thy House of Prayer, Greeting friends and neighbors where In His youth He oft iiad heard Reverently the Holy Word, And, with deep reflection, sought To i^ossess the Father's thought. The attendant gives to Him Isaiah's ancient Book Of sacred visions, grand and dim. He reads the text, returns the roll, And sits. The fire within His soul, THE REJECTED KING. 29 Like morning's radiant beam, Makes all His features gleam. The wondering people look At Him with steadfast gaze, while He Unfolds the jiregnant Prophecy : " Today this Scri])ture graciously Completed stands ; the Lord Hath to the poor anointed me To preach the joyful word : To loose the captive's fettered mind The Spirit sendeth me, Celestial sight to give the blind, And set the prisoner free ; God's time to favor men proclaim, And comfort them that mourn, To take away their sin and shame. To heal the bruised and torn." Lovingly He spake the word. Jealously the people heard ; 30 THE REJECTED KING. Their rebellions unbelief Tore His gentle soul with grief, And deserved rebuke compelled ; Foolish Avrath their bosoms swelled. Nazareth, O I^^azareth ! Wilt thou put thy Lord to death ? Murder foul is in thy breast I Heaven thy purposes arrest I Clouds and darkness veil the place That has banished Love and Grace ! WHERE IS JESUS? Song of Sol. 1:7. Where, my Beloved, canst Thou be';* O tell me, I would follow Thee. " Toiling at home, as Heaven wills, .V pilgrim o'er Judean liills. THE EEJECTED KING. 31 With reverent worshipers I meet, Witli wise men, sitting at their feet." Where, my Beloved, canst Thou lie? O tell me, I would follow Thee. " Blessing the newly wedded pair, With little children needing care. Feeding the hungry lest they die. Healing the blind and sick that cry." Where, my Beloved, canst Thou heV O tell me, I would, follow Thee, " Opening to prisoners the door, Teaching the ignorant and. pooi-. Forgiving them ^\'ho wee]) their wrong. Filling the mourner's heai't with song."" Where, my Beloved, canst Thou beV O tell me, I would follow Thee. 32 THE REJECTED KING. ^'.Vlone all nigiit in fervent prayer, By Kidron's waters, weeping there. Serenely waiting cross and grave. Living, (lyinii' the lost to save." THE NIGHT LONG PRAYER. 'And continued all night in prayer to God."— Luke 6: 12. DooMEJ) Capernaum He sought. Where the many wonders wrought — Sick made whole, demoniacs healed — Power divine on earth revealed. Wondering throngs to hear and see. Followed Him in Galilee, But they sp\irned His Avords so blest — "Come, ve weary souls and rest.'' THE REJECTED KIN<;. 33 After toiling through the day, Sadly Jesus turned away To the mountain's solitude Where no mortal might intrude. See Him bowing to the ground, Silence reigning all around, Save the night bird's doleful cry. And the breezes' moanful sigh. What great burden weights the prayer Of the sinless Saviour thei-e ? While the world to slumber goes, And disciples find repose, While the birds and beasts repair To their perch and covert lair. What heart-rending sorrows roll Over His unselfish soul ? Not a conscience in distress From the pangs of guiltiness. Not the fear of suffering From the wrath of priest and king: 'Twas the chain of sinners thrall, 34 THE REJECTED KING. 'Twas the woe that whehiis us all, 'Twas the direful doom impending Over souls their God offendino-. WORDS OF JESUS. "Come hither, ye that labor, With heavy burdens pressed. My service bringeth blessing, My yoke the sweetest rest." " Behold the Rock of Ages ! Ye thirsty, come to me, And drink the living water That tioweth full and free." " God's love is so abounding. His only Son He gave. That whosoever willeth. Eternal life shall liave." THE REJECTED KING. 35 '''My Father's house hath mansions, Both large and wondrous fair, And when all things are ready, I'll come and bring you there." O gracious words of Jesus ! They never can grow old ; Their j^recious Avorth and sweetness Can never all be told. IN SIMON'S HOUSE. This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived loho and what manner of woman this is which toucheth him, that she is a sinner."— Luke 7 : 39, At a feast — the Pharisee's — One to Jesus on her knees Boweth with the guilt of years, And His feet she bathes with tears, 36 THE REJECTED KING. Wipes til em with her flowing haii\ And anoints witli spikenard rare. But the guests with haughty mein (^aze with scorn upon the scene. Jesus now His host addressed — " To thy house I came a guest : Neither water for my feet, Nor a kiss, nor spikenard sweet Didst thou give. This woman pours Forth for me love's choicest stores. Lo ! her sins are all removed, Though so many — much she loved.'' ALL FROM JESUS. All from Jesus ; All the hope of sin forgiven, All the comfort in life's journey^ .Ml the promises of Heaven ; All from Jesus. THE REJECTED KIXG. 37 All from Jesus ; All the victories over sin. All the strength to bear and labor. All the help the goal to wm ; All from Jesns. All from Jesus ; All tlie righteousness and graee, All the cleansing and the fitness To beliold the Father's face ; All from Jesus. All from Jesus ; All the joy and all the trust Wlien the soul is wmged for Heaven, And the dust returns to dust ; All from Jesus. All from Jesus ; All the gladness, all the song, All the crowns and all the glory Of that happy, blood-bought throng- All from Jesus. 38 THE REJECTED KING. ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY. ^And behold, certain of the scribes said loithin themselves;, This man blasphemeth."— Matt. 9 : 3. Deisions know Messiah's name ; Wondering people spread His fame ; Palsied limbs and leprous skin, Frenzied minds destroyed by sin. Shameless souls to vice inured By His gracious touch are cured^ Proving Him the promised Son, Wonderful, the Mighty One. Yet the unbelieving scribes Cast at Him their angry gibes ; "A blasphemer," murmur they, " Who but God takes sin away ? "" All too blind to understand He who doth disease command, And the dying bid to live, Can as well their sins forgive. THE EEJECTED KING. 39 THE TOUCH OF JESUS. The gracious touch of Jesus, So wonderful to heal, The bahii for sin and sorrow. Doth God in Christ reveal. The blind who cried for mercy He touched, and lo ! they see; Souls held with chains of bondage He touched, and they are free. The deaf Avho ne'er heard music His touch made glad with song; The dumb who ne'er sang praises Rejoiced Avith tuneful tongue. The withered and the dying- He touched to noble strife ; The dead, 'mid weeping mourners,, His touch awoke to life. THE REJECTED KIXG. The wondrous touch of Jesus, So potent long ago, Is still the one thing needful To save from death and woe. AT BETHESDA. •The J e^cs persecute Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath." — John 5: 16. 'T WAS the Holy Sabbath day : At Bethesda man}- lay, Weak and withered, lame and 1>lind, AVaiting anxiously to find, In the crowd, a kindl\' feeling, In the moving waters, healing. One in pain had moaned for years, Hoping still amid his fears. THE REJECT?: I) KlXii, -41 Thoughtless i)0oi)lc' hurry by. Careless of the plaiutive cry. Jesus now is passing near — Will He see the sufferer's tear 'i AVill He stoop to hear the prayer Of the hel])less in des]»air? Yes, though King and Lord of all, He will heed the hunil)lest call. Heai" His words, so sweet and low — '"Ivise, take up thy bed and go."" Lo ! the impotent is whole. Healed in body, saved in soul : And His tonsfue is filled with sono- — *''• Jesus, Jesus, made me strong." Yet the Jews no Saviour see In this Heavenly ministry. Bigots blind, they seek to slay Him who made the Sabl»atli da v. 42 THE REJECTED KING. COME TO THE SAVIOUR. C(>ME, weary soul, the Saviour is calling, Full of compassion, and ready to save ; C'onie to the gracious One, trust in His word, Come to the mighty One, He is the Lord ; Great is thy sin, but His love greater still, Wilful thy heart is, yet stronger His will. Come to the Saviour, come to Him now, Come and with angels adoringly how. Come, needy soul, the Saviour is knocking, Long has He waited to enter thy door; Open thy heart to Him, He would come in. Give thy best room to Him, turn out thy sin ; Though thou hast wronged Him, His pardon is free, Though thou hast slighted, His feast waiteth thee. Come to the Sa\ iour, come to Him now, Come and with angels adoringly bow. THE REJECTED KING. 43 Come, sinful soul, the Saviour is waiting. Patient and loving and ready to save ; Say to the waiting One, " Here is my heart," Say to the loving One, " My Lord Thou art." Tell all thy sin to Him, He will forgive. Tell all thy love to Him, He will receive. Come to the Saviour, come to Him now. Come and with angels adoringly bow. BLASPHEMED. 'By Beelzebub the prince of the devils casteth he out clevih."—LviV.e 11 : 15, Our Father in Heaven, be lial lowed Thy name. The world, as Thy kingdom, now speedily claim. Thy will, as with angels, be done here, we pray, The bread that is needful, O give us each day. Forgive our transgressions as we now forgi\e, Exposed to temptation, O may we not live. But save from the Evil One, Father divine. For kingdom and power and gloi-y are Thine. 44 THE REJECTED KIXG. AVliile tliis prayur tlic Saviour taught. One possessed to lliiii was brouglit, Sinful, wretched, l>]nid and dunil). By foul demons overconie. Tlirougli His Avord the man was healed And tlie })ower of (Tod I'evealed ; ; But tlie ])eo]>le Idindly said — ''Jesus heals throuiih Satan's aid." • Jewish hearts with hate were tilled. Sweetly love from His distilled. "'A deceiver,'"' murmured thev, But of truth He was the way; In His life was nothing wrong, "He liath devils," cried the throng; While he labored for their good, Thev wvvv thirsting- for His blood. THE REJECTED KIN(i. 45 THE LOVE OF JESUS. The love of Jesus, O liow free ! A boundless sea I Enibracino- all, below, abo\e. The sea of love. It reaches far as sin is found. And wrongs abound. And man is saved, without, within. From guilt and sin. Oh, shoreless ocean, deejt and broad ! The love of God ! The ruined tribes of eveiw i"ace May trust thy grace. The world redeemed by Thee shall raise The song of praise, And join with all the hosts above To tell Thv love. 46 THE REJECTED KING. ESCAPED FROM THE STONING. They took up stones therefore to cast at him, but Jesus hid himself.*'— John 8 : 59. Be()L'(;ht by Pharisee and scribe, Witli a haughty, heartless gibe, Once a A\onian in disgrace Cow'i-ed before the Saviour's face In confusion, guilty, vile. Her accusers full of guile. Proving her in sin, invite Him to tell them what was right. '^ What say'st Thou ? The law is plain Stoned until the sinner'' s slain ^ But their craft and guilt He saw. And the wa-etched woman's awe, And, for them with shame profound. Stooped and wrote upon the ground. Urged, He spake — incensed within — THE K'EJECTED KIXrits will. Stung by conscious guilt, until Misery and Mercy rare Face to face were standing there. Jesus saw the contrite tear, KneVv that humble heart sincere, And He said with accents mild To the now believing child, " Go thy way and sin no more '' — Word, like Moses' rod of yore. Giving drink to Israel's flock From the desert's smitten rock — "Go thy way, from sin depart," Smote the fountain of her heart. " Xot condemned to endless gloom," For the Morning Star has come. Light in darkness. Heavenly flame. Making glad a soul of shame. 48 THE KEJECTEI) KlXci, .k'sus 8aiy distress! 50 THE REJECTED KING. Now moved by weeping iiiourners He gives them back their dead ; And hungry thousands thronging By Him are freely fed. O for the mind of Jesus, His faithfuhiess and zeal, His patience and His mercy. His love for all men's weal ! blessed mind of Jesus ! O love beyond compare ! 1 cannot know^ its fulness. But let this be my prayer : " His spirit meek and lowly, His sweet humility. His purpose, high and holy, O o-ive tliem, Lord, to me ! "" THE REJECTED KING. 51 BESOUGHT TO DEPART. ''■'They besought him that he rcoiitd depart from their borders. Matt. 8 : 34. Daylight now is growing dim; Yet new throngs are })ressing Him, Teaching on the sea-chafed shore — His own temple's pebbly fiooi". Calling His disciples, He Bids them come and cross the sea. While the night on silent wings, Darkness deep around them brings. Worn with toil He seeks for rest, And with slumber deep is l)lest. Suddenly a tempest comes ; Lo ! the angry water foams. The discijDles fearing, cry — " Master, save us, or we die." 52 THE REJECTKI) KTN(;. Now subliiiie amid thv storm Stands serene tliat nol)le form, Wliile He utters —- Peace, be still. Winds and waves obey. His will. As the billows of the sea Know His voiee and instantly Bow obedient to His word. Will not man confess Him Lord ^ Gergesa swing wide thy gates, Jesus at thy ])ortal waits. Now thy favored hour is come, Give the great Messiah room ! List ! a frenzied madman raves From the tombs in rocky caves-, Fierce, by demon power possessed. Yet he knows this God-like Guest^ And he runs to meet the Lord, Prostrate falling at the word — "Out from him thou s])irit vile, (^uit the soul thou dost defile." THE REJECTED KIX(4. 53 ^'Legion'' was the demoivs iiaiiie, From that soul the legion eaine ; And the man in freedom sweet 8at restored at Jesus' feet. When these things, so strange, were heard In the city, all were stirred. And with folly in their heart Urged the Saviour to depart. Oergesa, O Gergesa ! Under what ill-omened star Dost thou mourn thy herd of swine. And reject tlie Lord Divine 'i 54 THE REJECTED KING. AT THE FEET OF JESUS. At the feet of Jesus, Place of pardon sweet, Sinners, lost and guilty. Here compassion meet. At the feet of Jesus Sheltered well I hide ; Sin can never harm me While I here abide. At the feet of Jesus Do I learn to be Reaper in the harvest For eternity. At the feet of Jesus Joyfully I wait Till the Master bid me, Enter Heaven's crate. THE REJECTED KING. 55 AT BETHANY. From that day forth they took counsel together to put him to death."— John 1 1 : 53. Bethany, sweet Bethany, One dear home lias hallowed thee, Loved by Him whose love is more Thau far Ophir's golden store. Here the King oft turned for rest, Here three loving souls were blest ; Theirs to serve with tender caiH? ; His, to pour out wisdom rare. Martha, much with care encumbered Served her honored Lord ; Mary's hours were sweetly numbered Listening to His word ; Martha, making toil her pleasure, Pleased her noble Guest ; Mary, pouring out love's treasure, Pleased her Master l)est. 56 THE IIE.IECTED KIXG. While their Friend was far away, ^Vn uiiV)id(len <2,iiest, uiie day, P^oreed an entrance to tlieir cot — Lazarus, alas ! was not. All the iiriet* of liearts so true, Hopes s (xod will £>ive if tliou canst receive." At the grave Fie breathed a groan: AYhen thev rolled away the stone, THE REJECTED KIN(;. 57 With up lifted eyas to Heaven — '^Father, Thou hast answer given To my prayer, and I rejoice : " Then He eried with niiiility voice : '^Lazarus, come fortli I '' and lie That Avas dead lived instantly. For these acts of mercy showii. Miracles of grace Avell known — Mourners solaced, hungry fed. Blind restored, and raised the dead — Jewish priest and PJiarisee Were hut filled Avith enmity ; And, in secret counsel, they All ao-reed the Ciirist to slav. 58 THE REJECTED KING, JESUS WHISPERS. When thy breast Heavily witli care is pressed, Jesus whispei's tenderly, " Come to me, I will give the weary rest." When thy soul Bleeds in pain at sin's control, Jesus whispers graciously, '"' Look to me, I will make the wounded whole." When draw near Dread forebodings, dark and drear Jesus whispers lovingly, •■' Trust in me, T will take away thy fear." THE RKJECTED KING. 59 When Death's night Darkness spreads o'er mortal sight, Jesus whispers faithfully, " Lean on me, I will o'ive thee life and li<>ht." WEEPING OVER JERUSALEM. *'And when he drew nigh, he satv the city, and wept over it." Luke 19: 41. Behold Him that cometh by prophets foretold ! The way strown with garments and branches l^ehold ! With shouts of hozanna the mountain to])s )"ing ; His march is triumphal, He cometh a King. Though meekly He rides on the symbol of peace. Approaching the city, the shoutings increase — '' Hozanna, hozanna to David's great Son ! For great are the deeds the Anointed hath done." But O, how amazing! the King is in tears While shining in splendor the city ajDpears ; As shouts from the lips of the multitude leap, 60 THE REJECTED KING. The doom of fair Salem compels Him to weep : "If thou, O Jerusalem, only couldst see The day of thy peace ! But 'tis hidden from thee. Too late will be Aveepino- to save thee from woe, Rejecting thy Friend thou shalt fall by thy foe." As a hen her chickens brings To the covert of her wings. So Jerusalem, would T, Gathering my children nigli. Guard tliem from the Avrath to come. Shield them from impending doom ; But they will not come to me, To my refuge will not flee. " O perverse Jerusalem ! Thou that Idindly killest them Sent to thee in Mercy's name. Thy redemption to proclaim ! O Jerusalem, alas 1 Soon thy woes shall come to ])ass ! And thy house, so famed and great, Shall be left thee desolate. THE REJECTED KlXCi. (xl JESUS, ADVOCATE. Jesl's, Advocate unseen. Me and judgment just between, What I am and what I'\ e l)een Tliou eanst see. Loin], Thou canst see. Every sinful word and tliuuglit, Every selfish object sought, Every failure 1 have wrought. Pardon me, (), ])ardon me. All my hel}) when Avoes })revail. All my ho|>e \\hen earth shall fail. All my trust when sinners quail Are in Thee, Tord, are in Tliee. To Thy judgment when I come. Stand between my soul and doom, With the righteous give me room Graciously, (), graciously. 62 THE REJECTED KIXG. THE LAST SUPPER. " This is my body ivhich is given for you."— Luke 22 : 19 All made ready tor tlie feast, Bread and wine and slaughtered beast, Jesus and His' friends re})nir To the Paschal supper, where Type and Antitype complete In that sacred chandler meet. Now, () shame I before His fa<'e His disci])les strive for place : But their King, through love uncrowned, Wit) I a servant's napkin bound. Stoops to wash their weary feet. Soiled and heated in the street. When such humbleness we see, What is our liumility? When such love as His is seen. What's our love but semblance mean? THE EEJECTED KIX(;. 63 After the Paschal Laml) was eat, VVine-ciips tilled and drank, they yet Linger on His words, while He, Down the centuries to be, Doth with jtrophet-vision