LOVE'S SACRIFICE by Hope Onslow

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 12, 1897

LOVE'S SACRIFICE.

By Hope Onslow

Men speak of sacrifice for Christ As tho it were a pain. The Vision hath not full sufficed If 'tis not counted gain.

Does she who holds her wailing child Through weary nights of care, Begrudge the deed as one beguiled, Compelled such load to bear?

Does he who toils through weary ways For one he names his bride, Upbraid her with his toilsome days When she is by his side?

Does son or daughter at the bed Of saintly, dying mother, Say “sacrifice” above the dead To prove the word, “I love her”?

The lover counteth all things loss, Counts not, pours out his treasure; The weariest task, the heaviest cross Grows light with love's own pleasure.

The vision of the Lord is marred By some unsightly film, And any service counted hard Is not love's gift to Him.

The thorn-path trod by feet divine Was path of rose and beauty; For love of that lost soul of thine Eased, glorified the duty.

As to the cross of crucial test His feet were hurried on, He sighed, “I'm straitened and unblest Till Calvary's deed is done.”

Glory of love envelops Him, Consuming with desire. Cry for the clearing of the film, Ask for the holy fire.

Then as a mother's heart, beat thine, As lover's for his love, As Christ's for thee in joy divine Love's sacrifices prove.

Then men and angels both will thrill To see Christ in thee rise, Rejoicing in the Father's will Through Calvary's sacrifice.

Then shalt thou love as Christ loved thee, Compassion so will move, Nor thy supremest ministry Be large enough for love.

HOPE ONSLOW.