ALONE by Mary Martin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 8, 1874

ALONE

By Mary Martin

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening was come he was there alone.”

The day had folded its mantle, Of amber and pearl and rose, And the deeper shades of evening The lamps of heaven disclose.

He had toiled for the throng who gathered, From noon till the close of day, But amid the purple twilight He had sent them all away.

And up to the quiet mountain, By a path they had not known, He came so sad and weary, For he chose to be alone.

Did he wish to see the landscape, That was spread so fair below? Or beauty of lake Gennesaret, As its waters ebb and flow?

Or would mother earth afford him A place for rest and sleep, While angels from above him Their loving watch should keep?

Ah, no! the sinless Saviour Felt the need of earnest prayer, And took his great life burdens Alone to his Father there.

Here is our fitting pattern, O Christian, lone and tried. Fear not to tell your sorrows To Him who for you died.

Dear friends may gather round us, When joy is at its height; But few will choose to tarry, And watch through sorrow’s night.

But where the Father placeth, On mountain or in vale, His ear will ever listen, His promise never fail.

’Tis sweet to meet with others, And claim God’s blessing there, But greater strength oft cometh, From earnest, secret prayer.

The trees are very graceful, That have in forests grown; But tempests prove the stronger, Is that which stands alone.

He who has placed the lily Upon the lakelet’s wave, Is he who in such pity His Son for sinners gave.

And he who spread the wildwood, With green and velvet moss, Is he who helps the Christian Upbear each daily cross.

And if he deems it better Thy earthly path should lie Where thou must suffer lonely, Ne’er stop to ask him why.

But clasp the dear hand closer, Thou shalt hereafter know, That untold bliss awaiteth Those who proved true below.

MARY MARTIN.