FOR JESUS’ SAKE

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1876

FOR JESUS’ SAKE.

I walked in pleasant places ’Mid pastures green and fair; The Lord marked out a hard, rough way, He bade me enter there. “Father,” I weeping said, “That way I cannot tread; My feet are all unused to thorny roads; Grant me a smoother one to take!” “Nay, this for Jesus’ sake.”

I ate at earthly tables, Life’s rich wine gaily quaffed; Pressed to my lips by God’s own hand A cup of bitter draught. “O Lord, forbear,” I cried, “Let me not thus be tried!” “The cup of death, belov’d, I drank for thee, Fear not, for me, this cup to take. Drink, then, for Jesus’ sake.”

Low at my feet came crouching, One asking alms of me. “Stoop down,” said Christ, “and raise him up; For I have sent him thee.” “Nay, I am pure, he vile, Shall I my robes defile Made white in thine own blood? Ne’er, Lord, can he With thee and me communion take.” “Raise him for Jesus’ sake.”

I’m now a pilgrim weary, And long for rest on high, Toward sunset looking wistfully, My soul’s “sweet by and by.” The rough way leadeth up; Sweet is the bitter cup; The one I raised will meet me soon above. The latest prayer my lips shall make Be this—“for Jesus’ sake.”