The Wayfarer by Ella M. Robinson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 31, 1907

The Wayfarer

By Ella M. Robinson

ELLA M. ROBINSON

“O the hope of Israel, the savior thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?”

I SEE HIM; yes, I see amid the throng The One whom I have sought for many a day; I’ll hasten to his side ere he be gone, And ask him to abide with me to-day; I hope—I know he will not turn away.

And then perchance he longer will abide; For why should he in whom all hearts delight Be as a stranger,—one who turns aside,— A wayfarer who tarries for a night, And then is gone before the morning light?

The Saviour of us all in time of need— How can we careless of his presence be? Although his heart of pitying love doth bleed For human love and human sympathy, They must entreat who’d have his company.

And when we slight his love, divine, serene, And seek the jostling, jesting crowd once more, We find that he has slipped away unseen. Can he who Calvary’s awful torture bore, And cruel taunts, endure for us no more?

And is this why he hastes away?—Ah, no; He knows ’twere best that we seek patiently To find the blessing he would fain bestow. He yearns for us;—divinest mystery That he, the Prince of heaven, should so love me!

And so I plead: “O, never leave me more! Though from thy presence I should turn away; Though I should slight thee, as so oft before; E’en though this heart deceitfully should say, ‘Depart,’ still, blessed Master, stay! O stay!”

“When thou art gone, my heart is lone and chill; No mockery of pleasure giveth rest, And naught I find the empty void to fill. Ah, then I know, of all, I loved thee best, And turn again to thee for peace and rest.”

Sanitarium, Cal.