The life of those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High may be called a Hidden Life, because the animating principle, the vital or operative element, is not so much in itself as in another. It is a life grafted into another life. It is the life of the soul, incorporated into the life of Christ; and in such a way, that, while it has a distinct vitality, it has so very much in the sense, in which the branch of a tree may be said to have a distinct vitality from the root.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

In Prison, When the Early Saints

In prison, when the early saints
Wore despotism's chains,
'Twas Faith that silenced their complaints,
In  solacing their pains.

Not that they had no power to feel,
No sense of wrong, no tears,
But  God was near, their griefs to heal,
And dissipate their fears,

'Tis unbelief, that gives its smart,
Its anguish to the rod;
Grief has no terror for the heart,
That puts its trust in  God,

"Only  believe!"* and thou shalt know,
To  every ill resign'd,
Whatever strength may wield the blow,
It leaves no wound behind.

*Mark v. 36.

American Cottage Life (1850).

No comments:

Post a Comment