p. 1 | ST. JOHN 6:67, 68 by Lilla D. Avery

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1877

ST. JOHN 6:67, 68.

By Lilla D. Avery

Say, wilt thou leave me, when the shadows fall, And gloomy clouds obscure the noonday sun? Can'st thou submit when pleasure turns to gall, And say in faith, “Thy will, my God, be done?” Or wilt thou shrink in sorrow's bitter day? Say, will ye also turn from me away?

Thou hast the words of life, eternal life. I dare not leave thee, though the way be dark, My soul would sink amid the stormy strife Which rolls in fury o'er my struggling bark. Without thee, Lord, I'd wander to and fro, With none to save me. Whither should I go?

Can'st thou endure the roughness of the road? The path of pleasure is so broad and fair That many shrink beneath the weary load, And oft refuse the heavy cross to bear. Wilt thou not prove thyself as false as they? Say, will ye also turn from me away?

Oh! no, my Saviour, though the siren voice Of worldly pleasure seek to drag me down, I will not falter. I have made my choice. I'll bear the cross, and win a starry crown. How can I faint when thou dost love me so? I cannot leave thee. Whither should I go?

Trust thou in me, cling closely to my side. I'll be thy shield in every time of need, Thy faithful Guardian, Comforter, and Guide, And prove a strong Deliverer indeed. I'll be thy Shelter in the coming day If thou dost never turn from me away.

I thank thee, Saviour, that thou carest for me. O lead me gently by thy mighty hand, Till Zion's hills in beauty I shall see, And in the midst of that blest city stand. And loudly then thy praises shall be sung In thankful strains from my immortal tongue.

LILLA D. AVERY.