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THE PROMISE

“Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you.” Acts 3:19-21.

There are verses in my Bible
That bring solace and delight;
On my way-worn spirit shining
Like a day-star in the night;
For my faith now holds the promise
Of a grand and glad reward,—
Since refreshing times are coming
From the presence of the Lord.

While I tread life’s rugged pathway,
Through the calm and stormy years;
As I hear the wails of anguish,
And behold the gushing tears;
I might fail to see God’s goodness,
And surrender to despair,
If I could not read my Bible
And his promise written there.

When I hear the bondman cursing
Cruel hands that forged his chain;
When I scent the smoke of carnage,
And recount the mangled slain;
I might own the prince infernal
As creation’s reigning lord,
If I could not read the promise
And believe its cheering word.

While the pliant mind of childhood
Is estranged by errors vile,
And the lips so pure and loving
Are instilled with curse and guile;
While the spotless form of virtue
Is befouled with hands of lust,
I can still look up to heaven
And believe that God is just.

Oh! the better day is dawning
When the Judge shall take his seat,
And this murderous tide of error
Shall ebb out in swift retreat.
Then the resurrected creature
Shall the Lord’s salvation see,
Can repent of former follies
And “in Christ” henceforth be free.

Would you know what makes me trustful
When the clouds obscure the sun?
Would you know what makes me cheerful
When life’s race is almost run?
There’s a book mark in my Bible
That will point you to the line
That has filled my saddened spirit
With the rays of hope divine.

For my faith now holds the promise
Of a grand and glad reward:
Since refreshing times are coming
From the presence of the Lord.

See Isa. 25:6-8. G. M. BILLS.

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— January 15, 1896 —