Cross Over the Sea

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 10, 1906

Cross Over the Sea

[In an early number of the REVIEW there appeared the following poem, written by S. E. Lindsley, of New Haven, N. Y. At the request of an esteemed sister who has been a Sabbath-keeper for nearly forty years, and whose husband died in the faith, we reprint this poem.—ED.]

ANCIENT ISRAEL

A company journeyed from Egypt’s domain, Led by Moses, a servant of God; They were bound from oppression and slavery’s chain, For the land which their forefathers trod.

O! cruel indeed had their bondage become, ’Till the Lord, with a marvelous hand, Sore punished with judgment proud Pharaoh’s host Till he hastened them out of the land.

But lo! he pursued them with chariot speed; No hope of relief could they find, The foaming Red Sea before them rolled high, And Pharaoh’s host close behind.

But the Ruler was there; he o’er-shadowed the camp, And the pillar of cloud onward moved; And he bade them, “Go forward,” at Moses’ command, And their hearts’ wildest tumults were soothed.

They heard his small voice,—their Deliverer he,— I’m with thee, I’m with thee; cross over the sea.

FIRST ADVENT

In Bethlehem’s manger an infant was born, It was Jesus a Saviour from sin. The shepherds sang praises and worshiped him there, For there was no room in the inn.

O! sinless and pure was the life that he led, He grew mighty in word and in deed, For he healed many sick folk, and e’en raised the dead, And blessed all who his teachings would heed;

But lo! he was seized by a murderous throng, And they led him to Calvary’s hill; And they mocked him, and scourged him, and crowned him with thorns, O! his anguish no mortal can tell.

But the Ruler was there, and he lightened the tomb, Soon a victor Christ rose o’er the grave, Then he promised his people, “I’m with you alway,” E’en my life for you freely I gave;

I am the Good Shepherd, O “come unto me.” I’m with thee, I’m with thee; cross over the sea.

SECOND ADVENT

In the fulness of power a message went forth, Proclaiming the Saviour at hand, And out from all nations it gathered erelong A loving and devoted band.

O! they earnestly longed to behold him they loved, And they firmly believed he would come To take them from earth, and its sorrow and care, Away to their heavenly home.

But lo! the time passed, and their Saviour came not, And why they could not understand, And a dark cloud o’erspread them with sorrow and doubt, And scattered that once loving band.

But the Ruler was there, shedding light o’er the way, And erelong they beheld their mistake; Not long will he tarry, he surely will come, And his waiting ones he will translate;

We may hear his sweet voice, saying, “Suffer with me.” I’m with thee, I’m with thee; cross over the sea.