TRIBUTE TO OUR MISSIONARIES.
By S. M. Spicer
“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matt. 19. 29. Hast thou left the dear home cottage,
Linked with childhood’s happy dream,
Linked with every cherished memory
Of the years that lie between?
Cheer thee, lo, the Saviour told,
“Ye shall receive a hundred-fold.” For the lovely scene surrounding,
Vale and hillside—dear retreat—
Flower-decked path and shady woodland,
Where would linger fain thy feet,—
For these forsaken, we are told
We soon may walk the streets of gold. In those holy, happy mansions
Jesus hath prepared for thee,
Where will be no need of sunlight,
For thy God the light shall be,—
In that city, joys untold
Thou’lt receive, a hundred-fold. Hast thou turned from kindred spirits,
Brothers, sisters, tried and true,
Honored father, loving mother,
All their hearts near broken too?
Grieve not long; for o’er the river
Thou shalt dwell with them forever. And in thy Father’s house a dwelling
Of beauty, glorious to behold;
Thy heart with ceaseless rapture swelling,
While everlasting joys unfold.
Then, while you tread the weary way,
Hail the soon-coming of that day.
S. M. SPICER.