GOD'S JUDGMENT vs. MAN'S JUDGMENT.
By L. C. Hutchins
Man's judgment censures men of God, as though the chief of sinners.
God's judgment waiteth long to prove who are of glory winners.
Man's judgment casteth Joseph low, and sends the just to prison.
God speaks and lifts the fallen up, to height of power arisen. After the heart of Israel, of old, a king was given,
All beautiful; strange that from such, the kingdom should be riven.
Yet, in the humble shepherd boy, acting his lowly part,
God sees his people's future king, man after his own heart. The prophet sought 'mong elder sons, yet waiting for the truth,
Bids Jesse call his youngest one, anoints the ruddy youth.
Before king Saul, in innocence, the youthful minstrel played,
Adroitly fled, while the blank wall the murderous weapon stayed. Adullum's cave received him then, and thitherward there went
Father and mother, friend beloved, and many a malcontent.
From rock to rock, God's chosen fled, and dwelt with the wild goat,
Refused to smite his foeman's head, but severed there his coat. He could not trust repentant Saul; in God he rested calm,
And deep affliction wrung from him the soul-assuring psalm.
Long years of trial mark the life of Israel's early king,
And so, through tribulations deep, God doth his people bring. And later still, there standeth one from brethren separated—
Upon the cross, and crowned with thorns, there hangs God's consecrated.
'Twas man condemned the innocent. Away with him they cried,
A wicked murderer they chose, while him they crucified. Be not cast down, then, humble soul, the Lamb of God was slain,
His footsteps mark the road for thee, the blood-stained way is plain.
It was no path of flowers below a loving Saviour chose,
He walked the path his friends must tread, and from a grave arose. Misunderstood and misconstrued, yet, Christian, walk content,
Since, faithful to his promise still, the Comforter is sent.
Though good men cast thee out, and all proclaim thee low and vile,
God teacheth thus to scorn this world, and choose a Father's smile. This is the road the prophets, and God's chosen all, have trod,
And thus 'tis best to walk the earth, and meekly bear the rod.
And only to the faithful meek, is the sure promise given,
Of persecutions here, with grief, and rest secure in Heaven.