The Christian Mariner by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1911

The Christian Mariner

By Editor

Editorial

THE poems of hope and trust and of conflict and victory which the REVIEW pages have presented during these years of pilgrimage, have been no small contribution to the cause of the advent movement. This gift of song was not to be lacking in the believing host; for it was written, “The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion.”

IN the REVIEW of March 5, 1867, we ran across the first poem contributed to our pages by Brother L. D. Santee, whose pen is still giving us lines that vibrate with the joy of journeyings of the advent people nearly over. Here is that first contribution:—

The Christian Mariner

Behold the dauntless mariner upon the sea of life! He battles with the elements amid the angry strife. When foes with hate surround him, and envy’s surges roar, Hope, like the faithful compass, points him to Canaan’s shore.

He’s out upon the ocean waste, the waves run mountain high, But his Leader’s gone before him and beckons to the sky. His eye with holy radiance glows, his bosom has no fears, As o’er the pathless ocean wide his way to heaven he steers.

He’ll enter soon the better land, he hails the dawning light; His hope is anchored in the veil, where hope is lost in sight. Farewell to storm and tempest now, farewell to woe and sin, The haven now he can descry, and soon he’ll enter in.

THE “blessed hope” never grows old. Those who started out in the early days, it is true, expected that the voyage would have ended ere this; and so it might have been, had the work been done. Yet, after all, the way has not been long, and the hope grows ever brighter as the signs that we are nearing the haven multiply on every side. Every beacon and landmark has appeared according to the chartered route of the advent people. Well may we sing for joy.