Retrospect by A. H. C.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1866

Retrospect.

By A. H. C.

ANOTHER year has gone; a crystal globe Dropped perfect from the hand of God, and crushed In the rude grasp of earthly life; and now Amid its ruins, care and sin sit hushed.

Another year has gone; one milestone more I've left behind, and one the less to meet In the uncertain dimness on before, Ere the last leaves me at my Maker's feet.

Leaning a moment on my pilgrim staff, Amid the gathering darkness I look back Through the far distance of these faded years, And mark the lights and shadows of their track.

Here, sown with thorns, and gaping with fresh graves; There, sharp with flint, and salt with bitter tears; O God, I cannot bear to face again The lone fierce agonies of by-gone years.

My Saviour's gentle voice dispels the gloom; His loving glance, his arms outstretched I see; I place my hand in thine, O mighty One, Through life or death, content to follow thee.

Humbly I tread where'er his footsteps lead; Dark falls the night, but Christ is ever near; And trusting in his tried and faithful love, I give my soul to him another year. —A. H. C. in American Messenger.