p. 22 | THE SINNER'S PORTION by E. O. D.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 17, 1878

THE SINNER'S PORTION.

By E. O. D.

Oh! where shall I hide while the storm sweeps by? No place of refuge, no shelter nigh, No shade of a rock in a weary land, No oasis on the desert sand! No mother's love, no father's home, Can shelter this poor, doomed wandering one. “Toil without recompense, tears all in vain;” No hope now a future rest to gain. No note can I strike in that glorious strain That swells to the praise of Immanuel's name; No part can I take in that chorus sweet That blends with the sound of the dancers' feet. No place have I in those bright spheres Where God shall wipe away all tears. No draught for me from the crystal tide That flows the throne of God beside; No seat on the bank of the river of life, With the ransomed ones free from care and strife. No rest for the weary, no light can I see Placed in the window of Heaven for me.

I stood once the living fount beside, But I would not drink from its healing tide. I would not list to the Saviour's voice, On the world's gay pleasures fixed my choice; At my heart's closed door he waited long, But I turned away with the giddy throng. From the temple of Heaven, from the throne, The Voice hath spoken: “It is done!” “Too late! too late!” my anguished cry, “The angel of mercy hath passed me by!”

Not yet hath that fearful die been cast; Not yet hath the pitying angel passed. Sinner, to-day look up, and see, Heaven's gate is open still for thee. O heed it now, the Spirit's cry,— “Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die!”

E. O. D.

Battle Creek, Mich.