p. 1 | GOD'S FAST by M. J. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 27, 1868

GOD'S FAST.

By M. J. Cottrell

Is not this the fast I've chosen, saith the mighty Lord of hosts? That ye break the bonds asunder, and give freedom to the oppress'd; That ye deal, with hands wide open, to the hungry thy bread; Not with grudging, half-closed fingers, making him thy bounty dread.

Bring the poor who wander homeless, to a shelter 'neath thy roof, And, by little acts of kindness, give to all the needed proof That thy heart can feel for others, whate'er their lot may be; Then thy health shall spring forth quickly, and thy darkness be noonday.

When thou callest God will answer; guiding thee continually, If the yoke is put far from thee, and the speaking vanity, Thinkest thou the poor and needy is no brother man of thine? And that never on his forehead Heaven's immortal gems will shine?

Did not Jesus die for all men? Yes, and "in the courts of light, When the faithful ones are gathered, red and yellow, black and white, Will alike be clothed in glory, with immortal beauty glow, Christ's redeeming love forever, and transforming power to show."

'Tis not those who know the pathway, who most need the Shepherd's care; 'Tis not those who have abundance, who our bounties ought to share; 'Tis not those whose friends are many, that most need a loving word; Give thy smiles, kind words, and bounty, to the poor, thus saith the Lord,

M. J. COTTRELL.